Power play, one-way Football, but no goals – Turkey couldn’t get beyond a goalless draw against Wales on Saturday evening. Aktürkoğlu missed the biggest chance shortly before the end from the penalty spot.
For the decisive Nations League game against Wales in Kayseri, Turkey coach Montella relied on a 4-4-1-1 system, including captain Çalhanoğlu in central midfield and Aktürkoğlu, who recently exploded at Benfica Lisbon, as a striker.
The Saturday night game needs some time to gain momentum. It was only after 20 minutes that Türkiye had their first chance: Aktürkoğlu shot well over the box with a powerful shot from 20 meters. Shortly afterwards, the advanced Demiral (25th) narrowly missed taking the lead after a sharp cross from Müldür because Wales’ Roberts was able to clear in desperate need. In the middle of the first half, the Crescent Stars had their strongest phase and pressed for the lead every minute. Despite several opportunities, Akgün (28th) played a pass into nowhere, leaving a useful situation behind. A few minutes later, the Galatasaray man was denied by Wales keeper Darlow in a one-on-one (32′).
Suddenly Wales dangerous, Türkiye with luck at the post
It was only shortly before the break that the guests also became dangerous: James (41′) even scored to take the lead after a pass from Harris, but the goal did not count due to a narrow offside position. Practically with the half-time whistle, Wilson (45’+6) thundered the ball onto the right post.
Ünal misses the side kick goal, Aktürkoğlu misses a penalty
At the start of the second half, Montella brought Yüksek into the game for Çalhanoğlu. Because Wales was now much more compact and Turkey no longer had as much ideas, there was initially less on offer than in the first round. The home team’s next really strong move came in the 70th minute: After an Elmali cross from the left, Akgün deliberately laid it off at the second post for Ünal, who had since been substituted, but his side kick was deflected away. Arda Güler again missed rather miserably (78th), who shot meters over the goal from the edge of the penalty area. Shortly before the end, the Montella team had the ultimate chance for a lucky punch after Williams brought Akgün down in the penalty area. Aktürkoğlu, who had been in such good form recently, lost his nerve and the striker missed the penalty and only hit the right post (89′).
As in the first leg, Turkey and Wales played a goalless game. At the end of the main round, Milli Takim will face Montenegro, which still has no points, on Tuesday.
