Bellamy's Wales held by Turkey in Nations League opener

Former Liverpool and Manchester City striker Bellamy has been hired to revitalise Wales after Rob Page was sacked following their failure to qualify for Euro 2024.

The former Wales international is managing a team for the first time after serving as Vincent Kompany's assistant at Burnley and Anderlecht.

Bellamy, 45, was unable to mastermind a debut victory in rain-lashed Cardiff as Turkey held on gamely despite the 62nd-minute dismissal of Baris Alper Yilmaz. Yilmaz saw red for treading on Neco Williams' foot after confronting Joe Rodon before the break to earn his first booking.

Bellamy had said the influence of former Wales manager Gary Speed, who took his own life in 2011, had played a major role in his decision to become a boss.

But there was no fairytale first taste of senior management for the volatile Bellamy, whose team went close to a winner through Sorba Thomas's disallowed goal, while Aaron Ramsey and Joe Rodon wasted good opportunities.

Bellamy cut a calm figure on the touchline after selecting nine of the players that started Wales' last competitive fixture, the Euro 2024 play-off final defeat to Poland in March. Ramsey made his first Wales appearance in almost a year dominated by injury issues, while Thomas went straight into the line-up after an 18-month absence.

Turkey were without captain Hakan Calhanoglu for the League B Group 4 clash as Vincenzo Montella's side returned to action for the first time since reaching the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

The two sides met in Cardiff as recently as November in a 1-1 draw in Euro 2024 qualifying, and once against Wales couldn't deliver the knockout blow. Brennan Johnson's clever backheel released Connor Roberts early on, but Ramsey mistimed his header and the ball flew over off his shoulder.

The best chance fell to Rodon, lurking at the far post from a Wales' short-corner but the defender was unable to keep his half-volley down. Wales had the ball in the net after 37 minutes as Thomas raced onto Ramsey's ball over the top.

Thomas kept his composure to lift the ball over Turkey keeper Mert Gunok, but Bellamy's celebrations were cut short by the assistant referee's offside flag.

Turkey barely threatened in the first half but Yilmaz headed over soon after the interval. Wales almost made the most of their numerical advantage following Yilmaz's dismissal when Harry Wilson fired narrowly wide.

Kieffer Moore ended the game sporting a headband after the Wales striker sustained a nasty cut. And Turkey almost added insult to injury when as Abdulkerim Bardakci forced Danny Ward into a superb save in the closing moments.

 

September 6, 2024