Wales endured heartbreak by missing out on a second successive major tournament after losing on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina in their World Cup play-off semi-final in Cardiff.
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina (FT-Pens Loss) in WCQ
First Half: Wales Dominate but Can’t Break Through
Wales controlled a cagey first half, dominating possession and coming closest to an opening goal as Harry Wilson’s beautiful bending effort cannoned off the post.
The hosts enjoyed as much as 70% possession during the first half yet for all their probing, Wilson’s wonderful curling effort that hit the post remained their best chance.
Bosnia aimed to disrupt, picking up three yellow cards before the break, but offered nothing in attack and posed more threat to themselves.
Second Half: James Stunner and Late Drama
The home side took the lead in spectacular fashion six minutes after the restart. Daniel James latched on to a wayward backpass from Benjamin Tahirovic and smashed a swerving 25-yard strike into the roof of the net, beating keeper Nikola Vasilj.
James then hit the crossbar as the game opened up. Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow produced a save for the ages to claw away a goalbound header from Ermedin Demirovic.
Bosnia grew in confidence with chances to equalise. Darlow made a miraculous save to deny Demirovic again and palmed away a shot from Kerim Alajbegovic.
The Leeds keeper was powerless to stop Bosnia’s 40-year-old captain, former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, who headed in from a corner in the 86th minute to force extra time.
Extra Time and Penalty Shootout Heartbreak
Both teams looked exhausted in extra time, unable to create opportunities of note, with Bosnia trying everything to run down the clock and force penalties.
In the shootout, Darlow denied Demirovic from the first spot-kick. Wilson, Haris Tabakovic, Mark Harris and Ivan Basic all scored before Brennan Johnson skied his to make it 2-2 after three penalties each.
Amir Hadziahmetovic converted Bosnia’s next penalty, and Neco Williams saw his saved by Vasilj. Kerim Alajbegovic clinched victory by sending Darlow the wrong way.
What Happens Next
Bosnia will now host Italy on Tuesday for a place at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. This marks Bosnia’s first win in a play-off game at the eighth attempt, taking them closer to a first World Cup since 2014.
Wales will return to Cardiff City Stadium on the same night for a friendly against Northern Ireland, who lost Thursday’s other semi-final to Italy.
Wales’ Qualification Heartache Continues
For a third successive campaign, Wales found themselves two home wins away from qualifying for a major tournament.
Having reached the 2022 World Cup – their first for 64 years – they missed out on Euro 2024 at the final hurdle against Poland two years ago.
This was a mature performance for large parts, but Wales allowed the game to slip after looking set to seal victory when chasing a second goal at 1-0 up.
Substitutions highlighted squad depth issues as Wales faded and struggled to regain momentum.
This defeat will fuel attempts to qualify for Euro 2028, which Wales will co-host with England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. First, they must analyse harsh lessons from a qualifying campaign that promised much but delivered nothing.
Amid a febrile atmosphere, Wales started encouragingly. For live updates and more match results like the Resultados Futbol Hoy from this thrilling encounter, stay tuned.
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