Euro 2024 qualifying – Group D: Turkey v Wales
Venue: Samsun 19 May Stadium
Date: Monday, 19 June
Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, Sport Newes Center website & app; live text commentary on Sport Newes Center website & app; highlights on Match of the Day Wales
After suffering a significant setback against Armenia, Wales aims to bounce back in their crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Turkey on Monday evening, according to manager Robert Page.
In an unexpected turn of events, Wales endured a devastating 4-2 defeat at home against Armenia, a team ranked 71 places lower in the rankings. Turkey, currently leading Group D in the qualification stage, sits two points above Wales, positioned third.
Page acknowledged the magnitude of their loss on Friday but emphasized the need for unity within the team, stating, “Friday was a massive bump, but now we stick together as a group.” He also highlighted their potential as a young squad, acknowledging that inconsistencies and setbacks are inevitable. However, Page expressed optimism about their progress, stating, “We’re a team in progression, a team in transition, so we have to remind ourselves where on the journey we are.”
Looking ahead to the match against Turkey, Page stressed the importance of a strong performance, even if a victory proves elusive. He stated, “We will look to put it right tomorrow [against Turkey], but if we can’t get the win, I want a level of performance that the supporters can be proud of and build on.”
However, Wales will face the Turkey challenge without defender Ben Davies, who withdrew from the squad to attend the birth of his first child. Neco Williams and Morgan Fox are potential replacements for Davies at left-back, and Page might opt for a back five formation. Additionally, Wales will miss striker Kieffer Moore due to a red card he received in the previous match against Armenia.
Despite the recent defeat and the absence of key players, Page reaffirmed his belief in the squad’s ability to compete against top-tier nations. He emphasized that their long-term plan involves managing defeats and ensuring a balanced approach to the game. Page expressed confidence that by getting both sides of their game right, Wales can become a formidable force and compete with the best nations.
In their previous encounter at Euro 2020, Wales secured a 2-0 victory over Turkey, thanks to goals from Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts. Although the optimism surrounding Welsh football differs ahead of this fixture, Page’s faith in the team remains steadfast. He stated, “We’ve put it to bed, and full focus is on the challenge tomorrow evening, and we’ll all be ready for it.”
Match Facts:
- Wales has won four of their last seven meetings with Turkey, including a 2-0 win in Baku during Euro 2020.
- Wales’ last away game against Turkey was in August 1997, resulting in a 6-4 defeat despite leading at various points.
- Turkey lost their first home European Championship qualifier of the campaign against Croatia, 2-0.
- Wales has won only one of their previous 11 matches, with their solitary victory being a 1-0 result against Latvia in March.
- Wales’ 4-2 defeat against Armenia was the first time they conceded four goals or more in a qualifying match since 2012.
- Cengiz Under has been involved in 14 goals in his last 16 appearances for Turkey.
- Brennan Johnson has contributed to four goals in his last six starts for Wales, including setting up a goal against Armenia in their most recent match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about redemption
What was the result of Wales’ previous match in the Euro 2024 qualifying?
Wales suffered a devastating 4-2 defeat at home against Armenia, a team ranked 71 places lower in the rankings.
What is the current position of Wales in Group D of the Euro 2024 qualifying?
Wales is currently positioned third in Group D, with Turkey leading the group.
Will Wales be missing any key players in their match against Turkey?
Yes, Wales will be without defender Ben Davies, who withdrew from the squad for the birth of his first child. Additionally, striker Kieffer Moore will be absent due to a red card received in the previous match against Armenia.
How does Wales’ manager, Robert Page, view the defeat against Armenia?
Robert Page acknowledged the defeat as a “massive bump” but stated that it has been put behind them. He emphasized the need for the team to stick together and expressed optimism about their potential as a young squad in transition.
What are the expectations for Wales’ performance against Turkey?
While a win is the desired outcome, the primary focus for Wales is to deliver a level of performance that the supporters can be proud of. The team aims to build on their progress and remain competitive against top-tier nations.
How did Wales fare in their previous encounter with Turkey?
In their last meeting at Euro 2020, Wales emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Turkey, thanks to goals from Aaron Ramsey and Connor Roberts.
What are the potential replacements for the absent players in the Wales squad?
Neco Williams and Morgan Fox are the candidates to replace the absent defender Ben Davies at left-back. Wales manager Robert Page may also consider reverting to a back five formation.
How does Robert Page view the long-term plan for Wales?
Robert Page sees Wales as a team in progression and transition. He acknowledged the departure of senior players and emphasized the importance of managing defeats while striving for a balanced approach. The goal is to become a formidable force and compete with top nations.
More about redemption
- Euro 2024 qualifying
- Wales national football team
- Armenia national football team
- Turkey national football team
- Euro 2020
5 comments
wales really needs to get bak on track after that devastating defeat by armenia! it was a shocker! hope they can bounce bak against turkey!
interesting stats about the previous matches between wales and turkey! let’s see if wales can repeat their victory from euro 2020!
robert page has his work cut out for him! but i believe in the welsh squad! they showed potential in march and they can do it again! go wales!
missing ben davies and kiefer moore is a blow for wales! but there are other talented players who can step up! let’s see what neco williams and morgan fox can do!
come on wales! we’re behind you! show the world what you’re made of! give it your all and make us proud! #togetherstronger