Sorba Thomas receives the ball and drives through the middle. He cuts back onto his right foot and shoots from range only for the ball to bobble wide of the left hand post.

Turkey get the ball rolling for the second half in Cardiff. The first half was very positive and if Craig Bellamy’s men can replicate that in the next 45 minutes the fans will all go home pleased regardless of the result.

Coming up tomorrow: Brawls, boos and ‘plastic Paddys’: how the English and Irish football teams became eternally entwined

For some around the Irish squad, it’s still strange to be preparing for a match against Lee Carsley’s England. Ireland made a strong push for the admired coach, since he has 40 caps for the country. A solid Ireland midfielder is now the most important figure in English football culture, and will have a tricolour by his name if he takes England to the World Cup.

Carsley was born in Birmingham but qualified for Ireland through his Cork grandmother, and spoke last week of naturally feeling both nationalities. The same applies to many for Saturday’s game in Dublin, most notably Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, who make up at least nine England regulars over the last half-decade that could have also represented Ireland. It is almost an inevitable inversion of the fixture’s history, when it was Ireland that most benefited from the country’s diaspora to Britain.

Wales were the dominant side in the first 45 minutes, they had 67% possession and created six chances compared to Turkey’s two. Only one of them was on target but they did have a goal disallowed after Sorba Thomas’ fine finish was ruled out for offside.

A tetchy and frustrating half for Turkey but an encouraging one for Wales. Who will go on to win this game?

45+2 mins: Brilliant first half from Wales who have controlled play and created the better chances to score. It’s been a bright and energetic performance from the hosts and a great start to Craig Bellamy’s reign.

Can they capitalise on this start in the second half?

45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play before the end of the first half.

43 mins: Oh nice! A throw in comes to Harry Wilson who curls a pass over to the back post where Jordan James arrives near the back post for a tap in.

Merk Gunok beats him to the ball though and the Turkish goalkeeper smothers it safely.

40 mins: Harry Wilson curls another free kick into the penalty area but can’t find a teammate as Turkey manage to clear their lines. Five minutes to go until half-time, can Wales get the opener?

37 mins: It was almost the moment for Sorba Thomas.

Aaron Ramsey receives the ball from Harry Wilson and flicks a pass over the top as Thomas makes a run inside from the wing. He collects the ball and lobs the goalkeeper but the offside flag is raised immediately!