Turkey 0-0 Wales: Visitors survive late penalty drama to draw

Gareth Bale saves penalty as Wales salvage draw against Turkey in World Cup play-off semi-final

Wales survived a tense penalty drama in Turkey to earn a creditable 0-0 draw in the first leg of their World Cup play-off semi-final.

The visitors were indebted to goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who made several fine saves, and captain Gareth Bale, who scored a penalty in the second half.

Turkey had the chance to win the game in the dying minutes when Cengiz Under was fouled in the area, but Bale saved Burak Yilmaz's spot-kick.

The result leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Cardiff on Sunday.

How the match unfolded

Wales started the game brightly and had the first chance when Bale fired wide from a free-kick.

Turkey grew into the game and had the better chances in the second half, with Hennessey making a fine save to deny Yilmaz.

Bale then had a great chance to win the game for Wales, but he fired over from close range.

Turkey were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes, but Bale saved Yilmaz's spot-kick to earn Wales a valuable draw.

What the managers said

Wales manager Robert Page: "I'm delighted with the result. We knew it would be a tough game, but we showed great character and resilience.

Turkey manager Stefan Kuntz: "We are disappointed not to win, but we played well and created chances. We still have a chance in the second leg."

What's next?

The second leg of the tie will be played in Cardiff on Sunday. Wales will be confident of progressing to the final if they can avoid defeat.