Turkey 0-0 Wales: Penalty miss was justice served – Bellamy

The penalty award by referee Juan Martinez Munuera and Akturkoglu’s miss provided late drama to an eventful goalless draw on Saturday.

Although Turkey controlled most of the match in front of their hostile home crowd, Wales provided a threat of their own with a disallowed Jordan James goal and Harry Wilson hitting the post.

It was a creditable display in testing circumstances, maintaining Bellamy’s unbeaten start as Wales boss after five matches.

The former captain said beforehand that Wales would “know a lot more” about themselves and their 2026 World Cup qualifying credentials after this match in Turkey, and events in Kayseri confirmed that view.

“[I learned] a lot [about the team],” Bellamy said. “Defending the box, we’re exceptional, so that’s credit to previous managers. We’re really strong putting bodies on the line.

“I knew there would be a bit of pain today, it was a difficult game against really good opposition. Can we improve on the ball? Can our angles, can our timing be right? That’s what we need to improve on.”

Bellamy added that he also learned some valuable lessons about himself as a manager.

“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 said.

“I felt maybe once or twice I was and I don’t like it, so I need to learn from that, improve from that. I was saying to the players I need to improve as well. The test of the atmosphere Turkey were able to create, it’s hopefully going to benefit me along the line and the players as well.”