Wales vs Turkey LIVE: Nations League result and reaction as hosts settle for draw despite strong performance
Wales 0-0 Turkey: Sorba Thomas had a goal disallowed as the Dragons impressed in Craig Bellamy’s debut as head coach
Craig Bellamy’s first match in charge of the Welsh national team was an exciting and promising affair that displayed how he wants them to play going forward. The Dragons hosted Turkey at the Cardiff City Stadium and drew 0-0 in a positive performance that had flair and style.
From the get-go Wales were the more aggressive team. They took charge of the ball and utilised the pace of forwards Brennan Johnson and Sorba Thomas who set up on either wing. In the middle Aaron Ramsey and Harry Wilson juggled playmaking duties admirably as Wales created the better chances over the first 45 minutes.
Ramsey nodded a chance over the top and Joe Rodon failed to convert from close range. The best chance fell to Thomas who broke through the lines and perfectly lobbed the goalkeeper only to be ruled offside.
In the second half there was hope of a famous win after Baris Yilmaz collected a second yellow card and Turkey went down to 10 men. Bellamy made substitutions to try and keep the energy levels high, but Wales couldn’t break the deadlock, and the match finished goalless.
Not the result the Welsh fans wanted but they were encouraged by the performance. Bellamy has Wales playing exciting football.
Relive the updates and reaction from the Nations League below:
Wales 0-0 Turkey
60 mins: Harry Wilson receives the ball and spins on a sixpence towards goal. He lines up a shot and whips the ball around goalkeeper Mert Gunok but watches in despair as his effort curls wide of the far post as well!
Wales 0-0 Turkey
63 mins: Free kick to Wales in a dangerous area. Harry Wilson and Neco Williams stand over the set piece. It’s Wilson who flicks the ball into the middle where Aaron Ramsey meets the ball and heads it high and wide.
Wales are getting closer to scoring.
RED CARD! Wales 0-0 Turkey
64 mins: Wow! Baris Yilmaz has been sent off for a tackle on Neco Williams. It’s a second yellow card offence for the Turkey forward which results in a red card.
Turkey are down to 10-men!
Wales 0-0 Turkey
66 mins: Hakan Calhanoglu is brought on to the pitch to replace Orkun Kokcu following the red card. Turkey will have to adapt now and the Welsh fans are loving this.
They’re in full swing, singing and cheering. Can their players take advantage?
Wales 0-0 Turkey
69 mins: The rain is hammering down in Cardiff now but Craig Bellamy doesn’t seem affected at all. He’s busy getting a couple of suubstitutions ready to ignite a spark into Wales’ play.
Wales 0-0 Turkey
72 mins: Aaron Ramsey and Sorba Thomas are taken off by Craig Bellamy with Kieffer Moore and Lewis Koumas introduced for the final 20 minutes or so.
Ben Davies has been given the captain’s armband.
Wales 0-0 Turkey
75 mins: Koumas is into the action straight away with a darting run down the left wing. He attempts a couple of step overs but loses possession on the edge of the box trying to cut inside.
Energetic start from the teenager.
Wales 0-0 Turkey
78 mins: Kieffer Moore stays down after Caglar Soyuncu lands on him when going in for the tackle. Moore receives a kick to the face and needs a bit of treatment before this game can resume.
Wales 0-0 Turkey
81 mins: Moore is back on his feet and the game is back underway. Ben Davies nicks the ball in the middle of the pitch and tries to bomb forward but doesn’t get very far.
Wales work it over to the right wing then play it back inside and look to keep hold of possession.
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