Knowing nothing less than a win would be enough to give them any chance of advancing to the Euro finals without the need of a play-off spot, Wales flew out of the traps.
The win would only be enough if Croatia slipped up against Armenia, and Wales certainly heaped the pressure on their nearest rivals in the game’s infancy when Neco Williams curled home a sumptuous effort to fire the hosts into an early lead.
As though the atmosphere inside the Cardiff City Stadium needed more of a boost, that goal certainly gave it just that, and the first half was one-way traffic in favour of Rob Page’s side.
Failing to build on their one goal advantage before the break wasn’t the only blow for Wales, as news filtered through to South Wales on the stroke of half-time that Croatia had taken the lead against Armenia, leaving the Dragons staring down the barrel of elimination heading into half-time.
Not willing to lie down, Wales were keen to at least put on a show for their fans, and they came tantalisingly close to doubling their advantage when Brennan Johnson’s fierce drive was tipped wide of the post by Turkey’s substitute goalkeeper Altay Bayındır.
Wales probably found out their race was run 20 minutes from time when a controversial refereeing decision saw a penalty awarded when Ben Davies and Kenan Yıldız went shoulder-to-shoulder in the area.
Yusuf Yazıcı retained a cool head amidst the controversy and slotted home the penalty to place Turkey into the ascendancy. Riding the crest of a wave, the visitors came within inches of taking the lead soon after when Yıldız stepped in off the right and unleashed an effort that crashed away to safety off the crossbar.
Knowing a goal was needed to at least hold up their end of the bargain, Wales began to pile bodies forward and thought they’d found a winner when Johnson’s effort bounced in off the post, but the assistant referee’s flag soon cut short his joy.
Dismay was the story of the evening for those of a Welsh persuasion, as Croatia’s confirmed victory before the final whistle here ensured their race was run as far as the group stage went, meaning the play-offs is now their only remaining route to next summers’ finals in Germany.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Jordan James (Wales)
