Gareth Bale was the star of the show as he bagged two assists as Wales took a significant stride towards qualifying for the second round of Euro 2020 as they defeated Turkey 2-0 in Group A in Baku.
With a crowd of more than 30,000 in Azerbaijan’s capital city effectively making this a home game for Turkey, Wales responded to the hostile atmosphere with a vibrant, attacking display in which they cut their opponents open at will.
After a host of missed chances in a breathless first half, Wales opened scoring on 42 minutes after Bale played a brilliant lofted pass through the heart of the Turkish defence for Aaron Ramsey, who brought the ball down and finished elegantly.
Although Turkey came back strongly, Wales squandered a glorious opportunity to consolidate their lead when captain Bale ballooned a penalty over the bar.
There were some nervous moments for the Welsh defence as they withstood Turkish attacks – with Danny Ward making a vital late save to deny Merih Demiral.
But Connor Roberts struck from a corner deep in injury time to seal a win that takes Wales to four points with one match left in the group stage.
That final fixture will be in Rome on Sunday against Group A favourites Italy, who face Switzerland later on Wednesday.
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