Craig Bellamy's first game as Wales manager ended in a 0-0 draw against Turkey, who played with ten men for over 30 minutes during their Nations League opener on Friday. Despite their numerical advantage, Wales could not secure a win in the rainy conditions in Cardiff.
Bellamy, 45, took over as Wales manager following the dismissal of Rob Page, who was let go after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2024. This was Bellamy’s first role as a head coach, having previously served as an assistant to Vincent Kompany at Burnley and Anderlecht.
The match shifted in the 62nd minute when Turkey's Baris Alper Yilmaz was sent off for stepping on Neco Williams' foot, earning a second yellow card. Yilmaz had already been booked for a confrontation with Joe Rodon before halftime. Despite being a man down, Turkey managed to hold off Wales.
Bellamy had cited former Wales manager Gary Speed, who passed away in 2011, as a major influence on his decision to enter management. However, his debut did not result in a win, even though Wales had several scoring opportunities.
Bellamy fielded nine of the players from Wales' last competitive fixture, a Euro 2024 play-off loss to Poland. Aaron Ramsey made his first appearance for Wales in nearly a year due to injury, while Sorba Thomas returned to the squad after an 18-month absence.
Turkey, managed by Vincenzo Montella, were without captain Hakan Calhanoglu for the Nations League match. This fixture was Turkey’s first since reaching the Euro 2024 quarter-finals. The teams had previously met in November during Euro 2024 qualifiers, with that match ending in a 1-1 draw.
Wales had early chances, including a backheel from Brennan Johnson that set up Connor Roberts, but Ramsey's header went off target. The best chance of the first half fell to Joe Rodon, who failed to convert a half-volley from a short corner.
In the 37th minute, Wales thought they had scored when Thomas lifted the ball over Turkey’s goalkeeper Mert Gunok after a pass from Ramsey, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Turkey had few chances in the first half but threatened early in the second half when Yilmaz headed over the bar. After Yilmaz’s dismissal, Wales pressed for a goal, with Harry Wilson narrowly missing the target.
Late in the game, Kieffer Moore suffered a head injury and wore a headband. Turkey nearly scored in the final moments when Abdulkerim Bardakci forced Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward into a crucial save.
Despite their efforts, Wales could not find a winning goal, leaving Bellamy without a victory in his first match as manager.
