CYMRU head coach Craig Bellamy hailed a sense of justice as Turkey failed to convert a controversial late penalty in a goalless UEFA Nations League draw in Kayseri.
The match reached a dramatic climax in the 89th minute when Turkey were awarded a penalty after Yunus Akgun went down under a challenge from Neco Williams. Despite Williams appearing to touch the ball, referee Juan Martinez Munuera pointed to the spot. However, Kerem Akturkoglu’s penalty went wide, glancing off the outside of the post.
Bellamy, reflecting on the incident, said: “I’m not sure that was a penalty. Just look at it. Did he go from behind? No, it was from the side. Did he touch the ball? Yes. VAR? Did I believe they would overturn it or get the referee to look at it? No. UEFA are very good at not imposing themselves on it. I felt that was justice.”
He added: “I don’t believe Turkey deserved to win it that way. Maybe at different parts of the game they did, but I don’t believe that was a penalty.”
Cymru hold firm in testing conditions
Turkey dominated much of the match, spurred on by a passionate home crowd, but Cymru were not without their chances. Jordan James had a goal disallowed, and Harry Wilson struck the post in an eventful encounter. The result leaves Cymru second in Group B4, two points behind leaders Turkey, heading into the final round of fixtures.
Bellamy praised his side’s defensive resilience, saying: “[I learned] a lot [about the team]. Defending the box, we’re exceptional, so that’s credit to previous managers. We’re really strong putting bodies on the line.”
However, the Cymru boss acknowledged there was room for improvement, particularly in their attacking play: “Can we improve on the ball? Can our angles, can our timing be right? That’s what we need to improve on.”
A test for players and manager alike
The draw extended Bellamy’s unbeaten start as Cymru manager to five matches. Reflecting on his role, he admitted the intensity of the match provided lessons for him as well: “I was trying to stay calm and it was difficult, especially at the end. You don’t want to be riding that rollercoaster [of emotion].”
He continued: “The atmosphere Turkey were able to create, it’s hopefully going to benefit me along the line and the players as well.”
Topping the group in reach
Turkey remain top of Group B4 with 11 points, followed by Cymru on nine and Iceland on seven. Cymru will host Iceland at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, needing a win to maintain hopes of topping the group. They will also rely on Turkey dropping points in Montenegro
If Cymru finish second, they will face a promotion play-off in March, which could delay their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign until later next year.
HIghlights: https://youtu.be/tqR2rB9KjL8?si=vIYKQCJuUFO9iXzH
Cymru vs Iceland: Key preview
Cymru enter Tuesday’s match as 4/6 favourites to claim victory on home soil, where the support of the Cardiff crowd could prove crucial. Iceland, battling to avoid relegation, are priced as 5/1 underdogs.
The two sides drew 2-2 in their earlier group meeting, extending Cymru’s unbeaten run against Iceland to five matches. Cymru also boast a strong record at home, having won their last three encounters in Cardiff, the most recent being a 2014 friendly.
Bellamy’s vision for Cymru
Bellamy remains optimistic about Cymru’s long-term ambitions: “I believe we’re a Group A team; I definitely believe Turkey are a Group A team as well. These are the games we want, the teams we want to compete against all the time.”
He added: “You can tell by my manner I want to dominate everything and we didn’t dominate today, so I’m a little bit… Is it realistic to dominate a team like Turkey in this present moment? Probably not, but I’m very greedy. I’d like more.”
