Euro 2020 Matchday 2 for Group A saw Wales pick up their first three points of the tournament and stop Turkey from picking up any at all.
Match Information
Turkey 0-2 Wales
Goalscorers:
Wales – Ramsey 42′
Wales – C. Roberts 90’+5
Man of the Match
Gareth Bale – Wales
Match Stats:
Turkey 0-2 Wales match recap
All English Premier League
It was an inspiring and resilient display of football from Wales at Baku, who emerged victorious over an unimaginative Turkish side short of any ideas.
With 7 chances created, Gareth Bale pulled the strings for a Wales side who are nothing short of confidence following their tough draw against Switzerland.
His connection with Aaron Ramsey for the first goal was nothing short of breathtaking, delivering a through pass that split a Turkish defense that were caught ball-watching, allowing Aaron Ramsey to run thru them and place the ball into the far right corner.
Danny Ward was confident inside his own box. He did not display a goalkeeper who had not made a single league appearance this season past for Leicester City.
A Swansea City represented backline, Ben Davies and Rodon having played for the Welsh side, were tested following the first goal but remained tough and sturdy. Chris Mepham and Joe Rodon looked confident throughout the match, allowing Roberts and Davies to push forward.
It will be interesting to see how Joe Allen and Joe Morall hold up against the Italians, but today offered coverage to the backline when needed. Daniel James looked calmed, however, he will have to utilize his lightning pace and pose more of an attacking threat if Wales are to make a deep run.
As tough and sturdy as this Wales side was, star players win you games. Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale not only displayed individual brilliance, but their link-up play, especially in the first half, was mesmerizing and key.
Hoping to inspire his team after a heavy Italian defeat, Senol Gunes shocked the footballing world when he dropped Yusuf Yazici and Merih Demiral in favor of Ozan Tufan and Okay Yokuslu, only to reintegrate them at halftime.
Hakan Calhanoglu looked to inspire his teammates with his creativity but to no avail. The defense looked disoriented in the first goal, with no clear communication between them and the midfield.
A disappointing result for a Turkey team who were seen as dark-horses leading into the Euro 2020 tournament.
Group A next fixtures
Italy vs. Wales – Sunday, 20 June
Switzerland vs. Turkey – Sunday, 20 June