Türkiye 0-0 Cymru
- Hostile atmosphere didn’t phase Cymru
- Türkiye awarded questionable penalty that saw Aktürkoğlu miss from spot
- Second goalless draw between Türkiye and Cymru in UNL group
- Cymru play Iceland next in final UNL match in Cardiff – click for tickets
The points were once again shared between Türkiye and Cymru, but just how this one finished goalless is a mystery.
Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy was expecting an intense atmosphere at the RHG Enertürk Enerji Stadium and the Türkiye fans did not disappoint as Cymru’s early possession was met with blaring chorus of whistles and boos.
Although Cymru looked in control during the opening exchanges, the home side quickly settled into the match and goalkeeper Karl Darlow had to be at his best to deny Yunus Akgün after 32 minutes. Türkiye had the majority of the ball, but Cymru defended solidly and restricted them to efforts from distance.
Cymru thought they had taken the lead on 40 minutes but Harry Wilson was adjudged to have been offside in the build-up, and the decision was verified by VAR. Wilson would then hit the post during an extended period of injury-time which was the result of a nasty clash of heads between Mark Harris and Joe Rodon, although both players were able to continue after receiving treatment.
Dan James was introduced for the 2nd half as he replaced Harris in attack. Meanwhile, Türkiye captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu was also replaced in what would be a major boost for Cymru as he had been one of the most effective players for the home side. The match remained close with Akgün and Wilson having half-chances for Türkiye and Cymru respectively, while the frustration of the home fans began to spread to their players.
Bellamy emphasised before the match that the only approach he would take into every game would be to win, and his Cymru side continued to show real attacking intent in possession. A double-change on 72 minutes saw Liam Cullen and David Brooks introduced. Brooks tried his luck moments later, but his effort sailed wide of the post, and he would continue to link-up effectively with Brennan Johnson for the remainder of the match.
Arda Güler was allowed space on the edge of the Cymru area but could not keep his effort down on 76 minutes as the game became increasingly open and Türkiye went in search of a goal. However, Cymru’s pace on the counter-attack was a clear problem for the home side, and it seemed as if a goal was inevitable as both teams showed nothing but attacking intent.
The drama peaked on 88 minutes when a tackle from Williams was adjudged to be a foul and Türkiye were awarded a dubious penalty. However, Kerem Aktürkoğlu put his effort wide from the spot. Teenager Lewis Koumas was introduced from the bench by Bellamy for the final minutes, but the match would finish goalless, just as it did in Cardiff at the start of the campaign.
