Wales block Turkish flair for resilient away draw

Wales maintained their unbeaten record under Craig Bellamy in a 0-0 Nations League draw with Turkey after Kerem Akturkoglu sent his 89th-minute penalty against a post.

- PHIL BLANCHE

Turkey were given the chance to sew up Group B4 when Neco Williams stretched out a leg and Yunus Akgun went to ground.

But Akturkoglu tamely rolled his effort on to the base of a post and wide as Karl Darlow dived the other way.

The point leaves Wales second in Group B4, two points behind Turkey and two ahead of Iceland following their 2-0 win in Montenegro.

Wales will secure at least a Nations League play-off place in March by avoiding defeat at home to Iceland on Tuesday while knowing victory would secure top spot and promotion to League A should Turkey lose in Montenegro.

A point against the Euro 2024 quarter-finalists in Kayseri was earned the hard way – often suffering the “pain” that Bellamy had predicted before kick-off.

Turkey dominated possession, territory and goal attempts but Wales displayed resilience – evidenced by countless blocks – that would have delighted Bellamy.

Wales struck the woodwork through Harry Wilson while Jordan James saw his first-half effort disallowed for offside.