Wales secured a hard-fought victory over Turkey to take a big step towards qualifying for the last-16 round of Euro 2020.
Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey were the stars of the game as Wales took all three points at the expense of Turkey. The win puts Wales in a good position in Group A of the UEFA Euro 2020 as they are now second in the standings, following Italy’s 3-0 win over Switzerland.
Ramsey opened the scoring for the Welsh side in the 42nd minute, assisted by Gareth Bale. The Welsh side kept the lead intact going into the second half as they comfortably soaked up the pressure applied by Turkey. Wales also won a penalty in the second half, only for Bale to blaze it over the Turkish goal.
Good work off a corner from Bale made sure Wales got another one at the very end of regular time. The Welsh wing-wizard laid the ball for full-back Connor Roberts to finish and take a 2-0 lead in the match. The match ended with the Real Madrid superstar getting his name on two assists, doing more than enough to cover his penalty miss earlier.
Here are our player ratings following Wales’ crucial win over Turkey.
Wales
Danny Ward – 7.5/10
Despite the many Turkish attempts, Danny Ward didn’t seem too concerned and was, for significant periods, untested. However, when called upon during Turkey’s late pressure, he was assured in his handling and produced one good stop late to keep Wales’ 1-0 lead intact. He is slowly justifying his selection.
Connor Roberts – 7.5/10
A no-nonsense performance from the right-back as he found success in most of the challenges thrown at him. Eventually was rewarded for his performance as he scored Wales’ second late on. This performance should encourage him and fill him with confidence before their meet with Italy.
Chris Mepham – 7/10
Withstood the mountain called Burak Yilmaz, the defender won most of his headers and kept the big Turkey striker relatively quiet. He also put in a few blocks, and overall stood his ground against any Turkish attack.
Joe Rodon – 7/10
Another player at the back had a fantastic evening against any Turkish attack. He complimented his central defensive partner, Mepham, excellently. Some of his clearances were good, but the focus should be on the game’s overall display and reading.
Ben Davies – 7/10
The silent leader of the defence and his experience came in more than handy as Wales kept a valuable clean sheet. Funnily, despite being 28 years old he was the old horse of the backline.
Joe Morrell – 7/10
A contrasting performance from his display against the Swiss, where he was outrun for most parts. However, he made amends against Turkey as he took total control of things in the middle. It was vital to how Wales’ tempo was set.
Joe Allen – 6.5/10
Not as effective as his midfield partner Morrell, but Allen was a busy customer in this tricky encounter. Allen was vital in keeping the midfield ticking, as he time and again found a yellow shirt. It was a good turnaround in his performances, considering how anonymous he was in the first game against Switzerland.
Aaron Ramsey – 8/10
Up until the late goal scored by Roberts, Ramsey’s goal was looking like the match-winner. He seemingly was back to his best in a Wales shirt, and it was truly majestic. Late on in the game, he made a crucial goal blocking tackle to ensure the score remained in Wales’ favour.
4 – Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey created a total of four chances for one another against Turkey, the most of any duo in a single game at EURO 2020. At EURO 2016, the most by any pair in a single game was also Bale and Ramsey (six against Russia). Telepathic. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/f4cJznt77r
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 16, 2021
Gareth Bale – 8/10
If the anonymity in the last game was one thing, the penalty miss against Turkey was a shock. However, Bale had already laid on an assist for Ramsey’s opener, and in this game, pulled all stops for a leader’s performance. In the end, though, he was rewarded for his outstanding display with yet another assist for Roberts’ goal.
Keiffer Moore – 7/10
Not a goal threat like the last game, but his physical presence was enough to attract Turkish defenders towards him, thus allowing the pacey Welsh wingers to make their attacking presence felt. He shows how effective he can be with his movements and penalty box presence to give another dimension in attack for Wales.
Daniel James – 7/10
With pace to burn, the final balls he delivers could improve. James was purposeful in his runs this time and made his presence felt to Turkish defenders. Moore’s presence also gives him more freedom to make his moves. A late counter-attacking run could have resulted in a goal, but his final ball to Harry Wilson was disappointing.
Substitutes
Ethan Ampadu – 6/10
Came on for Allen to play around 20 mins of the game. Was primarily brought to provide better defensive cover from midfield and did his part.
Harry Wilson – 6/10
Instantly showed how much of an attacking threat he could be, as he made some impact on the pitch. Could have scored the goal, but James’ final ball left him hanging.
Neco Williams – N/A
Less time on the pitch for a rating.
Turkey
Ugurcan Cakir – 6/10
Cakir put in a solid display but did ship two goals against wales. He made some crucial stops in this game, and his handling and presence was stable enough in the box. He cannot be blamed for the goals, however.
Zeki Celik – 4/10
Celik was up against some serious speed on his side of the pitch. Daniel James and Gareth Bale ran riot and exploited him over. The pressure came to him and he conceded a penalty, only for Bale to blaze it over. Disappointing performance.
For someone who’s been linked to alot of big clubs, Zeki Celik has had an awful opening 2 games at #EURO2020, Spinazzola/Insigne & Dan James had a field day vs him + gave away a penalty- reminiscing his 2nd season form at Lille
— Mahfuz?? (@MahfuzCOYI16) June 16, 2021
Kaan Ayhan – 6.5/10
A surprise inclusion to replace Merih Demiral in the team. However, Ayhan justified his selection to put up a solid display in defence. Later, when he moved to central midfield, he broke up play and made six clearances.
Caglar Soyuncu – 6/10
Soyuncu was not a bad player at all, and much like his central defensive partner, was a solid presence at the back. His composure and some brilliant challenges caught the eye, especially the two-goal saving tackles in the first half.
Umut Meras – 5/10
Left-back Meras had a decent game overall, as he made life difficult for Connor Roberts to get any crosses. However, going forward, he was not effective.
Okay Yoksulu – 4.5/10
From a midfielder’s perspective, he was pretty effective, making the midfield tick, but his defensive side was weak. He let the Welsh players run the show around him and get past him way too easily and quickly.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 5/10
"Turkey for dark horses, watch out for Calhanoglu" is absolutely tumbling in the marketplace of takes right now. Sell sell sell.
— Jack Pitt-Brooke (@JackPittBrooke) June 16, 2021
Known for his final balls, but the final balls did not arrive from him today. Despite some classy touches and vision, Calhanoglu failed to deliver anything of substance to Turkey’s forwards.
Ozan Tufan – 5/10
In the first half, he had a good performance, making some inward passes and at times finding his man. Sacrificed at half-time to let another forward enter the fray as Turkey looked for a goal.
Cengiz Under – 5/10
When he came from the bench in the last game, he showed flashes of his brilliance. Did the same early on against Wales, then his struggles began. In all failed to deliver when it mattered.
Burak Yilmaz – 4.5/10
As usual, worked hard in the box and made sure he was a physical presence. His miss, which was a gilt-edged chance to equalise, will give him nightmares for a long time.
Kenan Karaman – 2/10
Managed 22 touches of the ball throughout the game. It shows how much of a shadow he was in the game. He was in the team for being a goal threat.
Substitutes
Merih Demiral – 5.5/10
He came on from the bench and displayed something solid to help his side shore up the defence.
Yusuf Yazici – 5/10
Brought on for some creative / attacking displays. Did not deliver
Irfan Kahveci – N/A
Not long enough to rate.
