Wales picked up what might show to be an vital level as they held a gifted Turkey to a goalless stalemate within the Nations League on Saturday.
Craig Bellamy’s facet had been largely on the again foot for many of the recreation however defended valiantly to maintain their hopes of computerized qualification to League A alive going into the ultimate recreation.
The hosts missed a penalty with 5 minutes to go as Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey had been wasteful and finally left pissed off.
Bellamy’s staff have been spectacular within the first few video games of his tenure, they usually headed to Kayseri for his or her penultimate Nations League recreation realizing they nonetheless had an opportunity of profitable the group.
The hosts, in the meantime, had been on the hunt for a win that might safe computerized promotion to the highest tier of the competitors.
⏰ FT | 🇹🇷 0-0 🏴
It ends goalless in Kayseri.
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— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) November 16, 2024
They usually made their intent clear from the off. Fledgling star Arda Guler tried an early effort from distance however the shot lacked the facility to hassle Karl Darlow within the Wales purpose.
Brennan Johnson was booked moments later for a cynical foul on Baris Yilmaz because the noise contained in the Kadir Has stadium began to construct.
Muhammed Akturkoglu then volleyed over the crossbar as Turkey started to show the screw. The influential Guler and captain Hakan Calhanoglu had been beginning to pull the strings.
A uncommon enterprise ahead for the guests noticed them pounce on a mistake from the Turkish defence, however Johnson slipped on the key second after a Harry Wilson cross and the possibility was gone.
On the different finish, Wales themselves then squandered possession cheaply, presenting a chance for Turkey, however they too did not capitalise.
The sport immediately sprang to life; the booming sound of the partisan crowd reaching fever-pitch.
Darlow pulled off an important cease to disclaim Yunus Akgun after the winger had been performed by one on one.
Clad in a navy hoodie and joggers, Bellamy’s manner belied his informal gown. The Wales boss wanting more and more stressed and agitated on the sidelines.
However his facet had been holding agency. The centre-back pairing of Joe Rodon and captain Ben Davies repelled virtually the whole lot Turkey threw at them.
Then, on 40 minutes – and really a lot towards the run of play – Wales had the ball behind the online by Jordan James. Nonetheless the purpose was swiftly dominated out for an offside within the build-up.
A nasty-looking conflict of heads between Rodon and Mark Harris introduced the sport to prolonged halt however, fortunately, each gamers had been fortunately in a position to proceed.
Representing Cymru 🐉📸
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— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) November 16, 2024
Shortly after play resumed, Wilson went inside millimetres of giving his facet the lead when his shot from the sting of the field cannoned off the submit after some neat work by Harris to tee him up.
Bellamy will arguably have been the happier of the 2 bosses going into the break however nonetheless opted to vary issues up by bringing on the returning Dan James instead of Harris.
Montella additionally selected to make a change for the second-half, changing Calhanoglu with Ismail Yuksek.
And once more, Turkey largely dominated the ball whereas Wales appeared content material to sit down in and bide their time.
Akgun fizzed a half-volley narrowly huge and substitute Enes Unal prodded the ball the flawed facet of the submit, as Turkish frustration started to creep in.
The phrase ‘smash and seize’ is maybe overused in sport, and one that always unfairly downplays the techniques and efforts of the visiting staff.
Right here it may need been used, however a powerful, assured defensive show is likely to be a extra apt description.
There’s a expertise in disruption and whereas Wales weathered the storm at occasions, they did so with a calmness and gritty willpower.
It was much less a case of being outplayed than understanding the job at hand. Rodon and Davies, aided by full-backs Connor Roberts and Neco Williams, had been immense.
So it felt considerably merciless when Turkey had been awarded a comfortable penalty with 5 minutes remaining after Williams was adjudged to have unfairly upended Akgun within the field.
However Akturkoglu despatched the spot kick huge, a lot to the delight of Bellamy and co., and Wales held on for a deserved, and doubtlessly worthwhile level.
