Former Liverpool and Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy hopes to see his old rival Jesse Marsch, Canada's men's national team coach, again at the World Cup after a heated exchange between them during an ill-tempered friendly in September.
Bellamy made it clear after Wales beat Canada 1-0 in Swansea that he had no issue with Marsch, but Bellamy did find his celebrations after the final whistle "a bit" over the top. The Canadian players and coaches were ecstatic about their narrow victory, which was sealed by a dramatic late winner from Adam Johnson.
Since then, there has been a sense of history between the two teams, with many expecting a high-intensity clash when they meet again in the World Cup group stage in June. The match will be a grudge match for Wales, who are looking to prove themselves against their hosts and a talented Canada side that doesn't fear anyone.
Bellamy has vowed to be respectful of his opponents but acknowledged that Marsch's celebrations had "all those" getting under him. The former United States international may have stoked the flames of this unlikely feud during an interview in October, saying: "The point is, this is a different Canada. This is a talented Canada. This is a team that doesn't fear anyone."
As Wales look to navigate their path to the World Cup through the play-offs, Bellamy's focus remains on Bosnia-Herzegovina, where they host the semi-final against the Bosnian side next month. If victorious, Wales will face Italy or Northern Ireland in Cardiff five days later with a spot at the World Cup on the line.
For now, though, it is all about the group stage showdown with Canada, a match that promises to be one of the most highly anticipated and intense of the tournament so far.
Bellamy made it clear after Wales beat Canada 1-0 in Swansea that he had no issue with Marsch, but Bellamy did find his celebrations after the final whistle "a bit" over the top. The Canadian players and coaches were ecstatic about their narrow victory, which was sealed by a dramatic late winner from Adam Johnson.
Since then, there has been a sense of history between the two teams, with many expecting a high-intensity clash when they meet again in the World Cup group stage in June. The match will be a grudge match for Wales, who are looking to prove themselves against their hosts and a talented Canada side that doesn't fear anyone.
Bellamy has vowed to be respectful of his opponents but acknowledged that Marsch's celebrations had "all those" getting under him. The former United States international may have stoked the flames of this unlikely feud during an interview in October, saying: "The point is, this is a different Canada. This is a talented Canada. This is a team that doesn't fear anyone."
As Wales look to navigate their path to the World Cup through the play-offs, Bellamy's focus remains on Bosnia-Herzegovina, where they host the semi-final against the Bosnian side next month. If victorious, Wales will face Italy or Northern Ireland in Cardiff five days later with a spot at the World Cup on the line.
For now, though, it is all about the group stage showdown with Canada, a match that promises to be one of the most highly anticipated and intense of the tournament so far.
So this Craig Bellamy thing got me thinking... he's right, Jesse Marsch's celebrations were pretty over the top 
, but is it really about the sportsmanship? Like, shouldn't we just be able to respect each other on the pitch, even if things get heated between matches? 
The fact that people are expecting this huge grudge match is kinda crazy, and I don't think it's healthy for international football 
οΈ. It feels like there's more drama than the actual game itself 
. Anyway, Wales just wanna make a name for themselves, and maybe, just maybe, they can take down that talented Canada side 
. But let's keep it real, it's all about the World Cup now 
. With their play-off spot on the line, it's all about getting through this group stage match without any issues 
. Can't wait to see what happens! 
οΈβ
!!! I mean, Craig Bellamy and Jesse Marsch have such a history going on and it's just gonna be EPIC 
! Bellamy is being super respectful as per usual but those celebrations by Marsch are still getting under him 
. Canada is looking SO STRONG right now with that Adam Johnson guy 
! I'm literally counting down the days until June 
. For me, it's all about who will come out on top and get to the World Cup 
. Can't wait to see some fireworks on the pitch 
The history between the two teams is electric right now, and it's not just about a friendly or a rivalry - it's like they're going to be going head-to-head in a real-life grudge match. 
Either way, it's going to be a wild ride when these two teams clash in June! 
! As for Craig Bellamy being calm about it... yeah right 
, I love how he's just owning up to it. Bring on that grudge match! 
Like what was he expecting? They're old rivals, it's only natural for it to get a bit heated. I love how they both know exactly who the other is though - like they've got some unfinished business to settle. And Marsch's celebrations after that win were pretty funny, wasn't they? I mean, you can tell he was hyped, but also kinda salty that his team had to come back for it. Anyway, can't wait for these two teams to go head-to-head at the World Cup! Should be a real barnburner of a match. 
! i mean, he's not exactly known for being calm on the pitch 
. personally i think marsch's enthusiasm is kind of infectious, maybe we'll see a real intense match between wales and canada! 
I feel like it's gonna be super intense between Wales and Canada! I love how Bellamy is trying to keep his cool but those celebrations from Marsch got under him 
. I'm curious to see how it all plays out, especially with Wales looking to prove themselves against a talented Canadian team 
. It's gonna be a grudge match for sure! 
Let's hope they can keep it civil and focus on the game 
whoever wins between wales and canada will def be a strong contender for the world cup 
Either way, it's gonna be a tough one for Wales - can't wait to see how this all plays out! 
! Craig Bellamy's right to expect some intensity from Jesse Marsch after those celebrations in September... I mean, you don't go all over the place like that when someone just scores a goal for ya 
.
Bellamy and Marsch need to bring their A-game for this one, or else it's gonna be a real mess on the pitch