FT: TURKEY 0 - 0 WALES. Match thread

[Michael Morris]

Saturday 16th November, ko 5:00pm
Live on BBC iPlayer and S4C

Match Facts:

• The past two meetings between Turkey and Wales have ended level (0-0 last month, 1-1 in November 2023) after only one of the first eight games between the pair ended in a draw (four Wales wins, three Turkey wins).
• Wales have lost three of their four previous away games against Turkey (one win), with one of those seeing 10 goals scored: Turkey 6-4 Wales in August 1997 in a World Cup qualifier.
• Turkey have won each of their past three games, last winning four in a row in June 2022 when all four games also came in the Nations League.
• Turkey have won six of their past seven home games in all competitions, as many victories as across their previous 16 matches on home turf (eight draws, two defeats).
• Craig Bellamy is already the first Wales manager to go unbeaten in his first four games and could now also become the first to go unbeaten in their first three away matches (one win, one draw).
• Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu has scored four goals in his past three Turkey appearances, more than in his previous 27 international outings (three goals) – no player has scored more goals across matchdays 1-4 of this season’s Nations League.
• Harry Wilson has scored in each of his past three internationals and could become the first Welshman to score in four straight appearances since Ian Rush in February 1983 (five in a row).

[Michael Morris]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Wales will "know a lot more" about themselves and their World Cup credentials after Saturday’s Nations League match in Turkey, according to head coach Craig Bellamy.

Unbeaten in four games under Bellamy, victory over the Group B4 leaders Turkey would put Wales on course to wrap up promotion to League A in their final fixture against Iceland in Cardiff on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

Where Wales finish in the Nations League will also have a bearing on their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts next year.

"I'm so looking forward to seeing who we are," said Bellamy. "If you’re going to qualify for a World Cup, you have to come to these places.

"The intense atmosphere adds to it being a really exciting game. Can we dominate the tempo of the game? Can we make it quiet? It's always difficult when you come here.

“We've already shown good signs so far but, after this game, we're going to know a lot more about ourselves. We'll keep building and improving, allowing us to reach our ultimate goal, to be at the World Cup."

Wales have impressed in their four matches under Bellamy, not only because of their two wins and two draws but because of the nature of their performances and expansive style of play.

That was abundantly clear in Bellamy's first game, a goalless draw at home with Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey in September which Wales dominated and were unfortunate not to win.

"It was positive for us, my first game, a first look at the players against a really good team, especially off the back of an outstanding European Championship," Bellamy added.

"It was a good starting point for us. This game coming up now is another difficult game. Coming to a country as passionate about football as Turkey, that's always an honour. You have to relish this, it's so good.

“I expect the first 10 to 20 minutes to be a really tough period, maybe a bit of pain, but then the game will settle down. I want the team to feel like they can win every game, no matter where it is. It's not going to be any different. I will not allow myself to be any different."

Where Wales finish in the Nations League will have a bearing on their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Most significantly, finishing top of Group B4 would boost their chances of getting a World Cup qualifying play-off spot via the Nations League.

Wales' final position could also affect the timing of their bid to reach the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

If they finish second, they will enter a Nations League promotion play-off in March, meaning World Cup qualifying will not start until June or September 2025.

But if Wales top the group, they would begin their World Cup campaign in March.

"I've not looked at it, honest truth," Bellamy said. "It [the Nations League] is six games to prepare for the World Cup and what scenario that's going to be.

"What can we do in these six games to take us close to giving us a realistic and good opportunity of qualifying for the World Cup?

"I don't care who we get in our group. There are not going to be any favours given to you, no matter what happens in these scenarios in the Nations League. There is no easy route to qualify for a World Cup, nor should there be, nor would we want there to be."

Team news

Wales have Daniel James available for the first time under Bellamy after the Leeds United winger missed the head coach's first four matches because of a hamstring injury.

However, they are still without Leeds' Ethan Ampadu and Cardiff City's Aaron Ramsey in midfield due to injury.

Sheffield United forward Kieffer Moore is one of five players who have withdrawn from the squad since it was announced earlier this month.

Winger Wes Burns, his Ipswich Town team-mate Nathan Broadhead and defender Owen Beck, on loan at Blackburn Rovers from Liverpool, will also be absent.

Luke Harris, Fulham’s attacking midfielder on loan at Birmingham City, was called up as a replacement but has since withdrawn because of illness.

They have been replaced by Coventry City defender Jay Dasilva, Reading midfielder Charlie Savage and Leeds teenage midfielder Charlie Crew.

Turkey are without Dogan Alemdar, Irfan Can Kahveci, Ozan Kabak and Yusuf Yazici because of injury.

Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the campaign against Iceland last month.

[kendoddsdadsdogsdead]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Bare bones today then.
A draw isn't any good for us really.
Well have to take what few chances we have.
We'll miss Amps.

[Wales-Bales]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Midfield will be a problem, Jordan James has barely kicked a ball all season. Up front I'd be happy with Johnson playing a central role, supported by Dan James, Wilson & Brooks.

[Des Parrot]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Midfield will be a problem, Jordan James has barely kicked a ball all season. Up front I'd be happy with Johnson playing a central role, supported by Dan James, Wilson & Brooks.

James & Brooks on the bench. Front 4 of Thomas, Johnson, Wilson & Mark Harris

[PontBlue]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

What is it with Johnson and stupid yellow cards when playing for Wales

[bluesp]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Looks like a lot of “antics” from the home team ahead

[the other bob wilson]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Bit all hands to the pump at the moment, but there have been chances on the break - the limitations of players like Harris and Thomas on occasions like this are not helping us though.

[WJ99mobile]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

I don’t agree with Bellamy on some decisions and I think we’re totally erratic and playing like it’s the last 20 of a play off game, every game, but boy is it entertaining

Not sure in a good way but I can’t take my eyes off the game.

[PontBlue]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Lines on the pitch made that look onside

[Pearcey3]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

That Jordan James offside was very tight.

[PontBlue]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

On the still the ball had already been kicked. I think they are trying to save the lineswoman's blushes as she doesn't know the rules regarding when to raise the flag

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Unlucky

[the other bob wilson]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Fair play, Harris has done well since I criticised him!

[bluesp]

Re: TURKEY v WALES. Match thread

Despite being under pressure virtually all that first half we’ve probably had the 2 best chances