Wales gave an exciting glimpse of what the future may hold under new head coach Craig Bellamy even as they were held to a goalless draw at home by 10-man Turkey in the Nations League.
Bellamy’s expansive, high-octane new style was evident from the first whistle as his fluid Wales side relentlessly pressed their opponents and attacked with verve and invention.
With Aaron Ramsey and Joe Rodon missing two glorious chances and Sorba Thomas having a first-half goal disallowed, the home fans were clearly encouraged by what they saw.
Wales stayed on the front foot after the break as Harry Wilson curled a fine long-range effort narrowly wide before Turkey striker Baris Alper Yilmaz was sent off for a second booking, but the home side could not convert their pressure into goals.
Bellamy had promised a radically different playing style and a clear identity, and his team delivered that in abundance, even if they could not start his reign with victory.
There will be bumps in the road with such a high-risk, high-reward approach – particularly with how Wales now look to build from the back – but it promises to be a thrilling ride.
Next up in Bellamy’s brave new world is a trip to Montenegro for Wales’ second Group B4 fixture on Monday.
Bellamy’s brave new world
Bellamy’s appointment has energised Welsh football, which was in need of a lift after the failure to qualify for Euro 2024 had led to the sacking of his predecessor Rob Page in June.
The new boss earned 78 caps and scored 19 goals for Wales during a stellar playing career which included spells at clubs such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle United, but the chance to represent his country at a major tournament eluded him.
Now having served his coaching apprenticeship under Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany at Burnley and Anderlecht, Bellamy has returned to his homeland with the aim of taking Wales to the 2026 World Cup.
Before qualifying starts next March, however, Wales have a Nations League campaign to navigate and Bellamy had only been working with his players since Monday in preparation for this match.
Even in that short space of time, Bellamy had already made a significant impact with players speaking excitedly about the progressive new playing style and meticulous analysis sessions.
Bellamy’s methods faced a stern first examination against a Turkey side that reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2024, and they were given a glowing endorsement in the form of a vibrant Welsh performance.
Within seconds of kick-off, the positioning of Wales’ players was striking. From Connor Roberts inverting into midfield from right-back to the absence of a conventional centre-forward – with attacking midfielders Ramsey and Wilson functioning as dual false nines – Wales were unrecognisable from the side that missed out on qualifying for Euro 2024.
Off the ball, they pressed their opponents relentlessly and, in possession, Wales were quick and inventive.
They almost led after five minutes, with a Brennan Johnson backheel freeing Roberts, whose pinpoint cross was headed narrowly wide by Ramsey.
Wales were a threat from set-pieces as well as open play, with Ramsey flicking another effort wide from a corner before a well-rehearsed move saw Thomas find Rodon, but the unmarked centre-back’s half-volley sailed over.
Bellamy and his players had warned beforehand that their progressive new style carried risks, particularly in the way they look to play out from defence, and there were a couple of anxious moments as goalkeeper Danny Ward passed himself into difficulty.
Turkey appealed for a penalty when Yilmaz fell under pressure from Rodon, but it was the visiting striker who was booked for shoving Ethan Ampadu afterwards.
Other than that, the Euro quarter-finalists were outplayed by Bellamy’s new charges in a first half in which Wales were unfortunate not to lead.
Thomas had the ball in the net courtesy of a nicely lofted finish from Ramsey’s raking long ball over the top, but the winger – starting a game for Wales for the first time since 2022 – was marginally offside.
Thomas went close early in the second half with a low shot from the edge of the penalty area, before Wilson’s fabulous curling effort whistled past the post.
Yilmaz did not help Turkey’s cause when he trod on Neco Williams to pick up his second yellow card, and Bellamy sought to press home Wales’ advantage by bringing on two forwards in the form of Kieffer Moore and Lewis Koumas.
Wales could not find the decisive moment of quality to secure victory, but the applause at the final whistle indicated how promising a start this was to life under Bellamy.
