Heartbreak for Wales in Cardiff
Wales 1 - 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Bosnia won 4-2 on penalties)
Wales were left with familiar heartbreak in Cardiff, their hopes of reaching a second successive World Cup ending in defeat on penalties
Author | Stephen Chad
Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium
Craig Bellamy’s side appeared set to move within one game of the finals, leading deep into the second half, only for a late equaliser to force extra time and, ultimately, another shootout loss.
All of this simply echoed the pain of their defeat to Poland in the Euro 2024 play-off final two years ago.
A tense first half was largely controlled by Wales, who monopolised possession and came closest to a breakthrough when Harry Wilson’s curling effort struck the post.
The breakthrough arrived six minutes after the interval
Daniel James seized on a loose backpass and drove a fierce, swerving strike from 25 yards into the roof of the net. He nearly added a second soon after, rattling the crossbar as the contest began to open up.
At the other end, Karl Darlow produced a remarkable save to deny Ermedin Demirovic, clawing away a powerful header that seemed destined for the net.
Bosnia gradually found momentum and, with four minutes remaining, drew level through their captain Edin Dzeko, the veteran forward rising to head home from a corner and silence the home crowd.
Extra time brought little in the way of clear chances, both sides showing the strain of the occasion. Bosnia appeared content to slow the tempo and take their chances from the spot.
Onwards to the drama of penalties
Darlow gave Wales early hope in the shootout by saving from Demirovic, but the advantage slipped away. Wilson, Haris Tabakovic, Mark Harris and Ivan Basic all converted before Brennan Johnson fired over, leaving the scores level after three penalties each.
Amir Hadziahmetovic restored Bosnia’s lead, and when Neco Williams saw his effort saved by Nikola Vasilj, Kerim Alajbegovic stepped forward to seal victory, sending Darlow the wrong way.
Bosnia will now face Italy on Tuesday with a place at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico at stake.
For Wales, there is only the hollow consolation of a friendly against Northern Ireland at the Cardiff City Stadium on the same evening, a fixture unlikely to ease the sense of what might have been.
