Euro 2020: Wales and Turkey clash in must-win match for both sides

Wales come into the game against Turkey after a fortunate draw with Switzerland whereas Turkey were thrashed 3-0 by Italy.

Kieffer More scores the equaliser for Wales vs Switzerland in their opening Euro 2020 match. (Twitter/@EURO2020)
By Sreejith C R | Jun 16, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Wales will take on Turkey in their second match of Euro 2020 at Baku Olympic stadium on Wednesday. Wales are coming into the match after a fortunate 1-1 draw against Switzerland in their previous game. Whereas Turkey were thrashed 3-0 by Italy. 

Rob Page’s Wales came from behind to earn a point against Switzerland. Breel Embolo opened the scoring early in the first half before Kieffer Moore leveled the score for Wales.

Even though Switzerland were the better team on the night and they came hard at Wales in the later stages of the game, the Dragons stood firm to hold on to the draw. Goalkeeper Danny Ward made some fine saves to deny Switzerland the winner.

The draw leaves Wales in a good position and they could almost ensure qualification to the next round with a win today. But a defeat will be a huge blow to their chances of going through as they face in-form Italy in their final group fixture.

Turkey on the other hand are desperate to get a result on Wednesday as they were convincingly beaten by Italy on Friday. After keeping the score at 0-0 in the first half, they conceded three goals in the second half. Central defender Merih Demiral opened the scoring with an unfortunate own goal. Later, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne completed the debacle. 

Despite having a number of quality players in the squad Turkey performed much below their capability against Italy., Therefore Gune might tweak the formation a little bit this time, with more emphasis on attack.

The loss left Senol Gune’s men at the bottom of Group A. Meanwhile Wales are second in the group level on points with Switzerland. 

Team news ahead of key Euro 2020 clash

Wales boss Rob Page is unlikely to make too many changes to the playing XI from the previous game. They played with four at the back against Switzerland as opposed to their usual three at the back formations used in the warm-up games. Joe Rodon and Chris Mepham are likely to remain as the central defenders. Connor Roberts and Ben Davies will be the wing-backs. 

Joe Allen is going to be the holding midfielder with Aaron Ramsey in a slightly advanced role. Gareth Bale and Daniel James will occupy the wings. 

Moore, who justified his selection in the previous game with the equalizer, is likely to keep his place. The 196cm tall striker’s presence upfront gives them an extra dimension going forward. Harry Wilson is pushing for a selection but that will depend on Ramsey’s fitness.

As for Turkey, Gune will surely make some changes, to bring in a bit more attacking threat as they failed to register even a single shot on target against Italy. Ugurcan Cakir may retain his place in the goal. Demiral and Soyuncu are likely to be the two central defenders with Celik and Meras occupying the win-back position.

AC Milan midfielder, Hakan Calhanoglu, who started at the left of midfield in the previous game, is likely to start at a more central position. Lille striker Buak Yilmaz looked a frustrated figure upfront against the Azzurri’s because of lack of support. Therefore Gune might introduce some attack minded players this time around.

It’s going to be like a do-or-die match for Turkey as a defeat will almost end their Euro 2020 knockout stages hopes.





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