Cornelius's 25-yard free kick seals Canada win over Wales in Swansea

Wales manager Craig Bellamy was left frustrated after his experimental side lost 1-0 to Canada in a friendly at Swansea on Tuesday, a defeat sealed by Derek Cornelius's 25‑yard free kick just before half time. The result was Canada’s first away visit to Swansea in 12 years and only the second loss of Bellamy’s 12‑game reign, and came amid a fractious contest in which referee Robert Jones issued eight yellow cards.

Cornelius’s strike, arriving in the 41st minute, capped a first half in which Canada repeatedly troubled the Wales defence, hitting the woodwork twice and creating several other chances. Wales made eight changes from the team that had returned from a long trip to Kazakhstan on Thursday, handing debuts to teenagers including right back Ronan Kpakio and bringing Charlie Crew into the starting line‑up. Joel Colwill and Kai Andrews also won their first caps from the bench.

Bellamy said before the game he had deliberately sought tough friendlies, adding he was “fully aware I could get beaten and get my arse kicked” in order to test his squad. After the match he expressed annoyance at the behaviour of Canada coach Jesse Marsch, saying he saw Marsch celebrating before the...