Sunday’s briefing: Wales conquer Kazakhstan while Arsenal narrow WSL gap

Wales continued the home nations’ successful international break so far with a 3-1 victory against Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifying.

There were frustrations for Craig Bellamy’s men, who take on North Macedonia next on Tuesday, but Rabbi Matondo’s last goal made sure of the points.

Elsewhere there were important wins for Arsenal in the Women’s Super League and Wrexham in Sky Bet League One.

Bellamy pleads for patience

Craig Bellamy urged Wales fans to buy into his passing style after their victory over Kazakhstan.

Daniel James’ early opener was cancelled out by a penalty from Askhat Tagybergen but captain Ben Davies put Wales back in front just after half-time before Matondo eased anxieties with his first goal for his country.

“We need to be patient with the ball and supporters need to be patient as well,” said Bellamy, who remains unbeaten after seven games in charge.

“I still hear the shouts, ‘get it forward, get it there’. I know, but I’m not hitting up ‘there’ when we have the numbers ‘here’. I much prefer our players being on the ball than not.”

Scotland gunning for Greece

Steve Clarke believes Scotland are reaping the rewards from tough fixtures as they bid to hang onto their top tier Nations League status.

Scotland take a 1-0 lead from the first leg into Sunday’s home clash with Greece courtesy of Scott McTominay’s penalty.

“We’ve been to France, we’ve played England, we’ve played Holland,” said the Scotland boss. “I put them through the mill with those games but eventually you get the experience.”

The Republic of Ireland are seeking to stay in League B, and their boss Heimir Hallgrimsson said of his players, who lead Bulgaria 2-1: “I think they now believe more and more in each other and what they are doing.”

Tuchel planning changes

Thomas Tuchel is set to rotate his players for Monday’s World Cup qualifying clash with Latvia at Wembley.

Myles Lewis-Skelly scored on his debut and Harry Kane netted his 70th international goal on Friday to give Tuchel a 2-0 victory over Albania in his first game.

The German felt England lacked freshness, saying: “I think we had some heavy legs. I felt us even a little bit tired, so we will take the opportunity, of course, to check who’s available and we have some good, good players on the bench.

“But I have full trust in all 22 players, plus four goalkeepers, and from there we go.”

Day to remember for Madsen

Rikke Madsen made her return to the Women’s Super League with Everton for the first time in more than a year following the birth of her daughter.

Madsen came off the bench in a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace and, after being joined on the pitch by her baby, there was a final celebration in store when her boyfriend got down on one knee and proposed, with the forward happily accepting.

Elsewhere in the WSL, Arsenal bounced back from Champions League disappointment against Real Madrid by thumping Liverpool 4-0.

Caitlin Foord and Mariona Caldentey netted, while there were two own goals from the unfortunate Jasmine Matthews as Arsenal gained revenge for their FA Cup loss.

Rodriguez on target for Wrexham

Wrexham’s bid for a third successive promotion received a boost with a 1-0 victory over fellow high-flyers Stockport.

The Welsh side moved three points clear of Wycombe in second, albeit having played a game more, thanks to Jay Rodriguez’s first goal for the club after his penalty had been saved.

Wrexham now have a nine-point lead over Stockport in fifth, with Charlton in fourth eight points back.

“We’ve got eight games to go,” said Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson. “There’s a lot of football to be played, but this has helped us on our way.”

What’s on today?

Scotland take centre stage as they look to hold on to their advantage against Greece in the Nations League clash at Hampden Park.

The Republic of Ireland are also in play-off action and lead Bulgaria 2-1 in their efforts to stay in League B.

In the Women’s Super League, Chelsea and Manchester City meet in their third different competition in eight days while Manchester United travel to Aston Villa.