Wales’ gamers had been crestfallen on the ultimate whistle, glazed appears of their eyes because it dawned on them that a large alternative had slipped by way of their grasp.
Belgium’s goalless draw with North Macedonia on Friday had opened the door for Wales, who wanted to win their remaining three video games to complete prime of Group J and qualify mechanically for the World Cup.
However they fell on the first hurdle, outgunned by Belgium in one other chaotic shootout after dropping 4-3 in Brussels in June.
Once more, Wales’ daring method – to press and to pour ahead at each alternative – left them uncovered defensively, and as soon as once more they had been ruthlessly punished by Jeremy Doku, Kevin De Bruyne and the remainder.
On reflection, did Bellamy really feel his aspect had been just a bit too open?
“We felt the easiest way of having the ability to fight this workforce was to have the ball,” he answered. “And we created a variety of probabilities, however we felt that was the best way of having the ability to beat this workforce as a result of we would have liked to win.
“It was so simple as that, and you could possibly see even in the direction of the tip, we opened up extra. We misplaced a little bit of management within the sport. However I all the time imagine the best way you may cease the opposition from scoring is by having the ball.
“However that transition second, with Jeremy, it is so fearful each time you’ve gotten the ball that if it turns over, this child, he is simply that.
“I’ve skilled it. I had him on my workforce [at Anderlecht], and I knew how harmful he was, however going in opposition to him… We knew there have been going to be tough moments in that sport.”
This has been a bruising window for Bellamy, whose choice to tackle England in a pleasant at Wembley final Thursday was met with a combination of scepticism, bemusement and outright criticism.
The end result, a chastening 3-0 defeat, intensified the followers’ discontent, although they had been keen to maintain an open thoughts if it helped Wales beat Belgium.
Supporters can be much less forgiving now Wales have misplaced – making it 12 objectives conceded in 5 video games – and seen their hopes of qualifying mechanically go up in smoke.
However nothing will deter Bellamy, unshakeable in his beliefs.
“I’ve seen lots right now that makes me really feel we are able to get shut to those. We are able to get shut. We have to maintain bettering,” he stated.
“However I advised you initially once I was going to do that. I’ll press, and I will not sit again. I do know that goes in opposition to some folks, however that is who I’m.
“And right now, I’ve seen a workforce with flaws as a result of I’ve them. A workforce that wishes to do one thing, as a result of I wish to. I am grateful for that.”
