Turkey 0-0 Wales: Visitors survive late penalty drama to draw

Bellamy said beforehand that Wales would “know a lot more” about themselves and their World Cup credentials after this game in Turkey, the team’s most rigorous examination yet under their unbeaten manager.

Wales had impressed in their first four games under Bellamy, not just because of their two wins and two draws, but because of the nature of their performances and expansive new style of play.

It was abundantly clear in Bellamy’s opening game, a goalless draw at home to Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey in September, that Wales dominated and were unlucky not to win.

On this occasion, however, it was a different story as Turkey took control.

The home side monopolized possession and set up camp in the Wales half. With such vociferous support in the stands, Turkey were suffocating their opponents on and off the field.

One of the main reasons for the power shift from September was the presence of Turkey captain and Ballon d’Or nominee Hakan Calhanoglu, who only sat on the bench in Cardiff.

Here the Inter Milan midfielder dictated the tempo of the game with a passing display that kept his own team in perpetual motion and often left Wales’ players scrambling for the ball in vain.

Turkey’s best chance of the first half fell to Akgun, who saw his shot inside the penalty area brilliantly palmed away by onrushing Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow.

Although his side were under almost constant pressure, Darlow did not have many other notable saves to make and it was indeed Wales who came closest to scoring before the break.

They had a goal disallowed when Mark Harris was flagged offside before crossing to Jordan James whose superb first-time finish whistled into the far corner.

Harris was involved again in first-half stoppage time, evading Turkey’s defenders as he darted along the left touchline before finding Wilson whose low strike hit the base of the post and bounced to safety.

It was Harris’ last involvement before being replaced by Daniel James at half-time and he may still be feeling the effects of his earlier clash with Joe Rodon.

After being restricted to fleeting counter-attacks in the first half, Wales enjoyed some extended periods of possession in the second as they looked to turn a credible draw into a victory that would fuel their hopes of winning the group.

Welsh hearts could have skipped a beat when Unal missed from close range, Akgun’s cross from the right hit the Bournemouth forward’s knee and bounced wide.

Not wanting to settle for a point, Bellamy showed his intent by replacing central midfielder Jordan James with the more attacking David Brooks.

Although Wales tired in the closing stages and Turkey still posed a threat – Real Madrid’s Arda Guler fired over from a promising position – Bellamy’s men looked game for a winning goal.

They appeared to have suffered a cruel late blow when Spanish referee Juan Martinez Munuera awarded Turkey a penalty after Williams’ sliding challenge on Akgun, where the Wales full-back appeared to have the ball.

But despite sending Darlow the wrong way, Akturkoglu also sent the ball the wrong way as his spot-kick clipped the post en route to a goal kick.

Ultimately, the draw felt like a reward for Wales’ admirable effort in testing conditions.

The result may not improve their Nations League prospects, but this will certainly prove a valuable experience when it comes to their longer-term and more important goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.