Wales 0-1 Canada: Derek Cornelius free-kick downs Welsh as Bellamy hands out three debuts

Wales fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Canada at the Swansea.com Stadium as Craig Bellamy’s side failed to find that attacking spark against impressive opposition.

A first-half free-kick from centre-back Derek Cornelius proved the difference on the night, as the Canadians held firm against a Welsh side that saw Ronan Kpakio, Joel Colwill and Kai Andrews all handed debuts by Bellamy.

Canada looked the sharper outfit from the outset and should have been ahead inside 10 minutes. Ismael Kone broke through the heart of midfield, played a neat one-two, and drilled a low effort past Adam Davies, only to see it rattle back off the inside of the post. Tajon Buchanan also threatened, cutting inside Neco Williams before firing a tame shot wide.

Wales’ first sight of goal came shortly after, when Jordan James slid Dan James through on the left. The winger bore down on goal but his curled strike was too close to Dayne St. Clair, who parried away.

Canada continued to ask the bigger questions. Defender Luc De Fougerolles almost conjured up a spectacular opener on 39 minutes when he flicked a volleyed backheel from a corner against the underside of the bar. The breakthrough, however, arrived soon after. When Harry Wilson conceded a free-kick 25 yards out, Derek Cornelius stepped up and bent a superb strike into the top corner, leaving Adam Davies with no chance.

Wales had the odd moment of promise, with Wilson and Ben Cabango linking from set-pieces, while David Brooks and Wilson combined well down the right, but they failed to seriously test the Canadian keeper.

Frustration also crept in for Bellamy’s men, with Brooks, Wilson and Crew all booked before half-time, while Canada boss Jesse Marsch himself was cautioned after contesting a