Romania 2 – 1 Wales

Wales ended their season on a low note as Romania won their Bucharest friendly 2-1.

Romania took the lead through Florian Koeman’s neat finish before substitute David Brooks – who was on the pitch for just two minutes – equalized with a sweet left-foot volley after Daniel James picked it up at the far post.

Wales had chances to turn the contest around, but Adrian Russ restored Romania’s lead 10 minutes from time.

Wales are still without a friendly win since November 2008 when current manager Craig Bellamy scored the winner in Denmark.

Bellamy admits Wales ‘need to get better’

Wales manager Bellamy’s post-match assessment was “disappointing”.

“There were some good bits, but there were also some negatives. We have to be better.

“I felt we didn’t create enough chances to get into the final third and create consistent chances.”

Substitute Koumas denied Russia a goal-line interference late on to equalize when a pass to the unmarked Cameron Congreve might have been the better option.

It means Wales, who suffered World Cup play-off disappointment on penalties in March, will remain winless in 2026.

Bellamy said: “We certainly had one or two exceptional chances, but we were too deep in the build-up, and that’s not what we’re looking for.

“We want to break the line and attack the defense regularly.

“I just thought we were moving the ball slow at times which didn’t help us, so I’m disappointed.

“I feel we have to improve in these areas if we want to improve. It also excites me because I like the team, I like the way we play.

“If we are better in certain areas that will enable us to compete with the top teams on a regular basis.

“This is where we want to be and we will be tested now in the Nations A League. It will test everything about us.”

Wales return to a Nations League group with Denmark, Norway and Portugal in September.

The Dragons’ opening game will be a trip to Portugal on September 24.