Captain Gareth Bale inspired a scintillating 2-0 victory for Wales over Turkey on Wednesday (Jun 16), giving the Dragons a big leap towards the European Championship knockout stages and reviving memories of their 2016 run to the semi-finals.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey missed two early chances, but made no mistake just before halftime when he chested down Bale's perfect ball over the defence to slot past the goalkeeper.
Wales could have doubled the lead at the hour mark when Bale was tripped by Zeki Celik and awarded a penalty, but the Welsh skipper skied his effort after a stuttering run up.
Wales were rewarded for their superiority throughout when they scored right at the death as a corner was played short and defender Connor Roberts was on hand to divert another Bale pass past goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.
"We fought hard, we worked our socks off like we always do," Bale said.
The Group A win thrilled the few hundred Wales fans - outnumbered by Turkish supporters at Baku's Olympic Stadium - and many more at home who are dreaming of another Euros run like their first appearance in the tournament five years ago.
The surprise semi-finalists then, who next play Italy, now have four points, after drawing with Switzerland in their opener. Turkey, without points, take on the Swiss next.
Remarkably, Wales now have the best winning percentage in the Euros' history: 63 per cent or five wins in eight games.
Source: CNA
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