Craig Bellamy's new-look Wales missing vital ingredient on promising first night (original) (raw)

WALES 0-0 TURKEY: Oh how the Welsh could have done with Gareth Bale or Ian Rush or Mark Hughes or even Craig Bellamy himself as an impressive display was undone by a failure to find the net

Craig Bellamy will need to find a goalscorer

Craig Bellamy’s era kicked-off with one missing ingredient - a striker capable of finding the net.

The Red Dragons’ head coach saw what he had demanded as his team delivered a committed and high-intensity approach. But despite enjoying a glut of chances against a team reduced to ten men for the last quarter, the absence of a forward cast in Bellamy’s own image as a player, was the main reason why his debut in the dug-out was not a winning one.

However, Turkey have just emerged from the European Championships as losing quarter-finalists following their defeat to Holland and this was a markedly upbeat performance from Wales’ desperate outings during the summer.

A failure to beat Gibraltar and four-goal thumping against Slovenia ended Rob Page’s tenure and there were questions as to whether the same set of players could raise their levels.

There were changes to the group - Sorba Thomas last made an international appearance 18 months ago and, following his move to Nantes on loan from Huddersfield Town - he was brought back into the fold. He responded by producing a man-of-the-match performance, with his direct running causing the Turks no end of problems.

Had Wales scored early, it would have been no more than their efforts deserved.

Craig Bellamy watches the players from the touchline (

Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

Sorba Thomas was outstanding (

Image:

AFP via Getty Images)

Aaron Ramsey was the culprit early on, sending over a header and getting his feet into a tangle at the near post as he tried to flick home Thomas’s corner.

But the most glaring miss of the night came from the left boot of Joe Rodon. Another near-post corner routine ended with Thomas swinging over the ball. The defence rushed out but the Leeds’ centre-half was onside. It arrived on the half-volley but it was sidefooted over from six yards.

Turkey had to do something. They tried to upset Wales's rhythm. It didn’t work.

Thomas thought he had grabbed the first goal when he streaked through following Ramsey’s through ball. He won the race with keeper Mert Gunok and lifted the ball over him only for VAR to rule against him in a marginal offside call.

Wales didn’t let the tempo drop. Wilson pulled the ball back but Johnson couldn’t get his foot around the finish at the near post. The Fulham man then let fly from 25 yards and his shot whistled past the post.

Referee Rohit Saggi shows Baris Alper Yilmaz of Turkey a red card (

Image:

Getty Images)

However, the Red Dragons were boosted when Turkey saw Baris Alper Yilmaz dismissed in the 64th minute. He had been cautioned following a bout of petulance after a penalty claim didn’t go in his favour. And the true cost of that ill-disciplined moment arrived when he caught Neco Williams on the foot. Referee Rohit Saggi had been nit-picking all evening and the Galatasaray forward was sent off.

Wales, however, could not make their numerical advantage count and were indebted to Danny Ward who pulled off a smart save from Abdulkerim Bardakci’s header with four minutes left.

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more