Wales get a spot of fortune in Turkey stalemate to lift their hopes

Fortune favours Wales as Turkey stalemate lifts hopes

Wales' hopes of reaching the knockout stages of Euro 2020 received a major boost on Wednesday as they secured a 1-1 draw against Turkey in Baku.

Gareth Bale gave Wales the lead in the 61st minute with a stunning free-kick, but Turkey equalised through Burak Yilmaz's penalty 10 minutes later.

The result means Wales are now second in Group A with four points, level with Italy but behind on goal difference.

Wales started the match brightly and had the first chance of the game when Kieffer Moore headed wide from a corner.

Turkey gradually grew into the game and began to create chances of their own, with Yusuf Yazici going close with a shot from the edge of the area.

However, it was Wales who took the lead against the run of play in the 61st minute.

Turkey were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute when Gareth Bale was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.

Burak Yilmaz stepped up to take the spot-kick and he made no mistake, sending Wayne Hennessey the wrong way.

Turkey pressed for a winner in the closing stages, but Wales held on to secure a valuable point.

The draw leaves Wales' hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging in the balance.

They now need to beat Italy in their final group game on Sunday and hope that Turkey do not beat Switzerland.

If Wales can achieve both of those results, they will progress to the last 16.