New boss Craig Bellamy promised Wales will improve after 10-man Turkey denied him a debut win in the Nations League.
Euro 2024 quarter-finalists Turkey held on for a 0-0 draw at Cardiff City Stadium, despite losing striker Baris Alper Yilmaz to a 62nd-minute red card for two bookable offences.
Wales dominated possession, territory and goalscoring opportunities – having 15 shots compared to Turkey’s five – but Bellamy’s side were let down by a lack of efficiency in front of goal and managed just one attempt on target.
SGÔR TERFYNOL | 🏴 0-0 🇹🇷
A fine display from Cymru but Türkiye frustrate in the opening Nations League match.
Montenegro next 🔜📄 https://t.co/dJwI818MzJ#NationsLeague | #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/Qa6TO3FkD7
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) September 6, 2024
Winger Sorba Thomas, recalled after a spell in the international wilderness, had the ball in the net after 37 minutes but his effort was disallowed for offside.
Bellamy said: “[The players were] outstanding. We’ve had a lot of work this week, a lot of meetings, and I’m always conscious of the load of information given to the players in a short space of time.
“They were great all week, so that gives you confidence going into the game.
“As much as you plan, you just don’t know how it’s going to go. Believe me, this is the worst we’re going to be.
“The more we learn, the finer details, there’s way more to come.”
Wales fans had welcomed Bellamy’s appointment after Rob Page was sacked in June following a disappointing set of results.
The 78-times capped former skipper said ahead of his first game that he had spent hours poring over tapes of Turkey in action.
“I planned for all scenarios, the worst scenario, you name it,” said Bellamy, whose side now visit Montenegro in the Nations League on Monday.
“This game has taught me to be prepared for whatever happens on the pitch. It helped.
“I had a lot of time to look at Turkey and identify where I felt they had weaknesses and strengths.
“Of course a top team, a top coach, they’re going to change and adapt. It was great.
“I’m not a master of this after one game, trust me. I enjoyed it.
“Great opposition, brilliant manager, great country to play against in your first game. I have worked hard for this and I’m prepared for it.”
Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella blamed Euro 2024 tiredness for his side’s below-par performance.
“The players are fatigued, physically and mentally, after the Euros,” said former Italy striker Montella.
“They had only one week vacation, but I do not remember Mert Gunok (Turkey goalkeeper) having to make too many saves.
“Wales were able to rest this summer, they were not playing at a tournament.
“I’m happy with my team and the way we organised after the red card.”
Inter Miami forward Luis Suarez signed a one-year contract extension, meaning he will continue to play in Major League Soccer next season.Suarez, who joined the Herons on a one-year contract in December, tied for second place in the MLS Golden Boot race and earned a nomination to the 2024 MLS newcomer of the year award."I'm very happy, very excited to continue for another year and to be able to en...
United target Napoli's KvaratskheliaManchester United are reportedly showing strong interest in Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, according to SportMediaset. The 23-year-old Georgian star, under contract with Napoli until 2027, has yet to reach an agreement on an extension with the Serie A leaders. The Red Devils are prepared to table a lucrative five-year deal worth at least €8 million ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Big GabrielSporting 1-5 Arsenal Who will win this month's Manager of the Month award? What happens when you come up against Saliba and Gabriel... Wayne Rooney, a true legend on and off the pitch. Cristiano Ronaldo in the iconic white and gold jersey brings back so many unforgettable memories! Throwback to THIS Beautiful Moment when Lionel Messi scored his 50th ca...
Bellingham admits 'vibrations' were key to Liverpool snubJude Bellingham has revealed how close he came to joining Liverpool, and the "vibrations" he felt when Real Madrid came calling."It wasn't as close as it was said," Bellingham said ahead of Real's Champions League clash with Liverpool. "There were conversations. There was Dortmund and I did it with several clubs. When Real Madrid call you, t...
Manchester City's Champions League match on Tuesday night was marred by crowd trouble, with Feyenoord fans causing chaos at the Etihad Stadium. The Dutch supporters, escorted by police from the city centre to the stadium, filled all three tiers of the South Stand.After City scored three goals, Feyenoord managed to net one with about 15 minutes left, leading to riot police stepping in to prevent cl...
Liverpool boss Arne Slot insists Mohamed Salah isn't unsettled over his contract situation.After scoring twice in victory at Southampton on Sunday, Salah revealed he had not heard from management about a new deal. His current contract expires in June."The only thing I can say is, if I look at my line-ups, Mo is more in than out," said Slot."I don't think he's distracted at all. I haven't seen that...
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said he doesn't fully understand how the new Champions League format worked after his team earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday to improve their chances of reaching the knockout stage.Bayern needed a first-half goal from defender Kim Min-Jae to battle past 10-man PSG and claim a third win in five matches."I don't look at the table...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. The reason why Man City lost 5 matches in a row Erling Haaland lol Cucuruku Cook that thing… This The Man United cycle. This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The Portuguese has promised to not sign any Sporting CP stars in the winter window.However, all bets are off in the summer, with A Bola stating that Geovany Quenda is the main target.United are said to be preparing an offer of £50M plus bonuses to secure the young winger.Amorim can use Quenda in either wing-back position, while he is also capable of playing in the front three.Another player U...
The Algerian's contract expires in the summer of 2026 and he is believed to be eyeing a move away from Molineux.Rayan Ait-Nouri is wanted by Man UtdThat has put United are on red alert for a player as Amorim has made signing a left-back a priority.He wants to boost his options give Luke Shaw's injury record.Shaw could also eventually move into the back-three once the former Sporting Lisbon manager...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Chelsea make Nkunku sale call amid ManUtd interest
- 3 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number
- 4 €60-70m could bring star to Liverpool or Man Utd
- 5 Mascherano nears Miami; Martino exits
- 6 Chloe Kelly sends fans wild in daring outfit at GQ Men of the Year
- 7 Former Premier League star saved his wife and baby from house fire
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 The secret and very normal jobs of England’s WAGs
- 10 Thierry Henry poses with rarely-seen partner Andrea on red carpet