The Red Wall has literally sailed in from Dubrovnik to the port resort of Budva in Montenegro to carry on their journey to Nikšić. The venue for this game has changed last minute, inconveniencing hundreds of fans who had travel plans already prepared for the game to be played at the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica. Concerns over the pitch has forced the switch.
The game is the second in this years Nations League campaign for Wales with one already played, the 0-0 draw on Friday night against Turkiye. That game displayed a new attitude from the Wales team. And it should have been a game the national side should have won. However, a point was taken and now new head coach, Craig Bellamy has his sights set on three points on Monday evening.
Many will have heard of Robert Prosinečki the Montenegro manager. He started his international coaching journey with Croatia as assistant in 2006, and has managed at international level for Bosnia & Herzegovina, Azerbaijan and now Montenegro. But don’t let that fool you, he has a very successful football career behind him playing for Barca, Real Madrid and Sevilla. Some may recall him at Portsmouth at the turn of the century. There’s much more to him as a manager as well, he had just under a seventy percent win rate at Red Star Belgrade, and overall over forty four percent from two hundred plus matches as a manager. He has taken charge of Montenegro on five occasions since joining in February, winning two and losing three. His sides 2-0 loss to Iceland on Friday has increased the pressure on him slightly as well.
Montenegro also have a proud record against Wales.
You can guaranteed this won’t be easy. The referee cadre has been chosen carefully.
There’s no getting away from the fact the Red Wall will face a partizan crowd on Monday. Notorious as well. The Montenegrin support is at times vociferously racist, and their FA have been fined and had a game played behind closed doors in very recent times. There have also been instances of a game being abandoned against Russia and violence at certain games, especially when they play the Russians and England.
Wales have one of the best behaviour records in Europe.
We have another report before this game with pictures of the Red Wall, and of numerous Swans Indy supporters in Montenegro. They are set for a cracking day today with temperatures expected to get to 35c. Stay safe all, it’s a wonderful country.