A hard fought match led to a hard fought result for Wales as they withstood twenty five attempts and an intense atmosphere to earn a goalless draw against Turkey.
Despite the scoreline mirroring Craig Bellamy‘s first game in charge, Wales were not able to control the game as much as his new-look side likes to and were forced to sit back and wait for opportunities instead.
It was a full throttle first half, with both sides going close to taking the lead despite Turkey having 70% of the ball, with Harry Wilson hitting the post just prior to the break.
The frantic nature of the evening did not let up in the second half either. Though Wales were not able to have as much goalmouth action themselves, relying on staying firm at the back and hoping for some lacklustre Turkish finishing – which came to fruition.
The result hinged upon a penalty after Neco Williams brought down Yunus Akgün with five minutes to spare, but Kerem Aktürkoğlu could only find the post, and the deadlock remained until the final whistle.
Turkey travel to Montenegro and Wales host Iceland in the final game of Group 4 on Tuesday. A win for The Crescent Stars will see them promoted to the UEFA Nations League A.
Turkey made five changes from last month’s 4-2 win in Reykjavík. Mert Günok, Mert Müldür, Eren Elmalı, Akgün and Barış Yılmaz were all brought in.
Wales made four alterations from their narrow victory over Montenegro, with Connor Roberts, Jordan James, Brennan Johnson, and Sorba Thomas all returning to the starting eleven.
Amid a wall of noise in Kayseri, the visitors met the hostility with an energetic start, pressing high, being physical and imposing themselves on the hosts as soon as possible.
Turkey quickly adjusted to the tempo and sought to stretch the game, particularly down the right-hand side. Arda Güler had the first notable opportunity six minutes in as he found a similar position to his wonder goal against Georgia, though this effort was tame and comfortable for Karl Darlow.
Though they kept the intensity, Turkey were not able to fashion out many quality chances in the early stages, with Wales’ back four happy to drop back and invite the off-target long shots.
The pressure continued to mount. A dangerous low cross from Müldür was well intercepted by Roberts, with Rodon throwing himself before Akgün’s attempt following a corner.
On twenty-five minutes, Wales finally broke free. A three-on-three enabled Wilson to charge down the left and whip a cross over to Johnson, who could not gain control of the ball from close range.
Wales were later let off from conceding the opener after Darlow’s wayward pass allowed Akgün to collect it. However, the Galatasaray winger cut it back instead of going for goal, and Wales were able to clear it properly.
A glorious chance came on the half-hour as Aktürkoglu pierced through the Welsh backline, sending Akgün clear on goal, but his shot was well saved by Darlow. Turkey’s domination was becoming tinged with frustration.
Wales had the ball in the net via Jordan James, which was ruled out as Harris ever-so slightly strayed offside in the build-up.
Uncharacteristically for Bellamy’s side, they were starved of possession, and when they got the ball there was a lack of composure that allowed Vincenzo Montella‘s team to nick it back. Likely down to only being limited to counter attacks for the duration of the half.
Just shy of half-time, there was a lengthy pause in play after a clash of heads from Joe Rodon and Harris. Both were able to carry on, with Harris again pivotal to the burst of attacking prowess which had alluded the Dragons.
Wales’ more counter-attacking-oriented display in the first forty-five almost reaped the perfect reward as Harris drove in from the left and slid it to Wilson, but the Fulham forward saw out the half agonisingly striking the post. Even in his quieter games, Wilson is an essential cog in Bellamy’s Welsh machine.
Oxford United striker Harris was taken off at the interval for Daniel James‘ much anticipated return to the side. Wales tightened their midfield to combat Hakan Çalhanoğlu‘s comfort in the middle of the park and were able to enjoy more of the ball.
Turkey began to focus on passes in behind the Welsh high line and delivering looped crosses. Orkun Kökçü‘s curled free kick shaved the bar after the hour mark.
A clever bit of wing play from Akgün caught substitute Enes Ünal seemingly unaware as the cross deflected off the Bournemouth striker’s knee on the six-yard line.
Ticking into the final twenty minutes, Wales were now confined to the counter attacking style of play that made up their first period, and more space opened up for success. A slick, cross-field gave Johnson acres of space on the right. Again, the end product was smothered.
The game also reverted to Turkey taking long shots as they ached to edge in front. Güler and Akgün had a pair of chances swoop over.
As the game began winding down, a quick one-two saw Akgün receive the ball in the area and strongly cut out by Williams. However, the referee pointed to the spot in a soft call.
The outrage from the Welsh players was soon punctuated by relief as Aktürkoğlu rolled the ball onto the post and wide in a strange act of cosmic justice.
Unlike their previous visit to Turkish shores, Wales were able to see out the result and still have a chance to finish top of the group with one match remaining.
A lack of cutting-edge up top may not have pleased Bellamy, but heading back to Cardiff with a draw will be a huge confidence booster and a potential cornerstone to his tenure as Wales boss.
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Player of the Match – Joe Rodon
Wales had to be resilient amid the onslaught of Turkish chances, and the evergreen pairing of Rodon and Davies kept a stable defence against the chaos.
Rodon edges ahead of his former Tottenham teammate due to blocking a great chance for Akgün (of course) in the first half and for battling on through a nasty head injury.
