Wales get late spot of fortune in Turkey stalemate to lift Nations League hopes

Giggs' men finish second in their Nations League group to earn play-off spot

Kieffer Moore's late strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for Wales in Turkey on Sunday to secure second spot in their Nations League group and earn a play-off spot for next year's finals.

With their hopes of winning Group 4 diminishing after a 2-0 defeat at home to Finland on Thursday, Wales needed to match Finland's result in their match away to group winners Russia and also better their goal difference.

To their relief, Finland were beaten 2-0 in Moscow, meaning Wales moved above them on goal difference thanks to Moore's 81st-minute equaliser, which cancelled out Enes Unal's opener for the hosts.

Moore's late strike gives Wales a lifeline

Moore, who had earlier missed a glorious chance to put Wales ahead, made amends by heading home substitute Harry Wilson's cross.

The Cardiff striker's goal sparked wild celebrations among the Wales players and staff, who knew a point would be enough to secure a play-off spot for the 2023 finals.

Wales will now join the other nine second-placed teams in the play-offs, with the draw taking place in December.

Giggs hails his team's character

Wales manager Ryan Giggs praised his team's character after they showed great resilience to come from behind and secure a vital point.

"I'm so proud of the players," said Giggs.

"They showed great character to come from behind and get the point we needed.

"We knew it was going to be difficult, but we stuck to our task and got the result we needed."

Wales now have a chance to reach the Nations League finals

Wales' draw in Turkey means they have now finished second in their Nations League group, earning them a play-off spot for next year's finals.

The play-offs will take place in March 2023, with the winners of each semi-final qualifying for the finals.

If Wales can win their play-off, they will reach the Nations League finals for the first time.