Under the astute leadership of Craig Bellamy, Wales preserved their unbeaten run with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Turkey in the Nations League. Tensions peaked late in the match when Kerem Akturkoglu’s 89th-minute penalty attempt hit the post, denying Turkey a victory that seemed within reach.
As the match drew to a close, Turkey was presented with a golden opportunity to grab first place in Group B4. Neco Williams’ unfortunate slip left Turkish striker Yunus Akgun on the ground, prompting the referee to point to the penalty spot. However, Akturkoglu’s unconvincing penalty failed to hit the target, only grazing the post as Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow dived in the opposite direction.
The labored draw leaves Wales in second place in Group B4, two points behind Turkey and two points ahead of Iceland, who enjoyed a comfortable 2-0 victory over Montenegro.
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Craig Bellamy’s Wales Continue Unbeaten Streak With Draw Against Turkey
Wales can secure at least a Nations League play-off place with a draw against Iceland on Tuesday, but a win would catapult them into top spot in the group, provided Turkey stumble against Montenegro .
The Welsh had to dig into their reserves to secure that valuable point against a team who reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, often enduring the “pain” Bellamy spoke of before kick-off. Turkey, dominating possession, controlled the match and generated numerous goal attempts. Nonetheless, Wales showed commendable resilience, as evidenced by a series of crucial blocks that would certainly have satisfied their manager.
Wales went close to scoring through Harry Wilson, whose shot hit the post, while Jordan James’ first-half effort was ruled out for offside.
Bellamy welcomed the return of injured Daniel James, but the Leeds winger started on the bench, with Sorba Thomas taking his place in the starting XI. In goal, Darlow was chosen over Danny Ward, while Josh Sheehan and Jordan James anchored a newly formed midfield.
Turkey had not played in Kayseri since their 5-0 victory over Andorra in a World Cup qualifier in September 2013, a memorable night that marked the debut of current captain Hakan Calhanoglu.
Despite the electric atmosphere in the stands, Wales opened the match with a composed performance, showing confidence after four matches without defeat, although they struggled to convert possession into concrete chances.
Young Real Madrid star Arda Guler posed a threat to Darlow with a long-range effort that swung the momentum in Turkey’s favor, who began to apply pressure.
Brennan Johnson was shown a yellow card for a foul on Baris Alper Yilmaz, who soon found himself in the penalty area as Darlow cleared the danger, with the home crowd calling for a penalty.
Despite Turkey’s efforts, including erratic shooting from Akturkoglu and Merih Demiral, they failed to capitalize, while Wales looked increasingly unsettled.
Connor Roberts made a crucial intervention to prevent Demiral from scoring from close range, and Darlow had to relax to deflect Akgun’s shot from an incisive pass from Akturkoglu.
In a frenzied sequence, Akturkoglu and Wilson both found themselves on the ground claiming penalties before Wales finally appeared to score. Mark Harris’ cross was nicely finished by Jordan James, but VAR intervened and ruled out the goal for offside.
A worrying moment came when Joe Rodon and Harris collided heads, requiring prolonged treatment, but both players returned to the field, although visibly injured.
With minutes remaining, Harris escaped down the left to find Wilson, whose left-footed shot hit the post, eluding Johnson on the rebound.
Wales held on as Darlow grabbed Guler’s header and made way for Daniel James at half-time, returning Johnson to a more central role.
Wales had a chance to relax when Wilson misplaced a pass, allowing Akturkoglu to have an opening, but the Turkish striker, failing to convert, sent his shot wide. Enes Unal, introduced for Turkey moments earlier, also wasted a chance with the goal beckoning.
Guler then found himself unmarked in the box, but the Welsh defense held firm once again, emerging from a tense encounter with a valuable point.
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