Wales Falls to Turkey in Nations League Opener
Late Goal Dooms Dragons in Ankara
Wales suffered a disappointing start to their Nations League campaign as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Turkey in Ankara on Thursday night. Gareth Bale's penalty had given the visitors the lead, but goals from Serdar Dursun and Hakan Calhanoglu earned Turkey a deserved victory.
Wales started brightly and took the lead in the 32nd minute when Bale converted a penalty after Neco Williams was fouled in the area. However, Turkey gradually grew into the game and deservedly equalized just before half-time when Dursun headed home from close range.
The second half was a more even affair, but it was Turkey who created the better chances. Calhanoglu put the hosts ahead in the 71st minute with a stunning strike from outside the box. Wales pushed for an equalizer, but they could not find a way past the inspired Ugurcan Cakir in the Turkey goal.
The defeat leaves Wales bottom of their Nations League group after the first round of matches. They will face Belgium in Cardiff on Sunday in their next game.
Here are some of the key talking points from the match:
- Bale's penalty: The Wales captain showed his class with a coolly taken penalty to give his side the lead.
- Turkey's response: The hosts grew into the game and deservedly equalized before half-time. They were the better side in the second half and fully deserved their victory.
- Calhanoglu's winner: The AC Milan midfielder scored a stunning goal to put Turkey ahead. It was a moment of individual brilliance that proved to be the winning goal.
- Wales' missed chances: The visitors had a number of good chances to equalize in the second half, but they could not find a way past Cakir.
Overall, it was a disappointing night for Wales. They started brightly, but they were unable to maintain their early momentum. Turkey were the better side for much of the game, and they deserved their victory.
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