Wales’s dream of World Cup qualification has ended after defeat to Bosnia on Thursday night. Craig Bellamy’s men, suffering the agony of a penalty shootout defeat after 120 minutes of action could not produce a winner.
The Cardiff City Stadium serving as the venue for this World Cup play-off semi-final clash – the winner of which would go on to face either Italy or Northern Ireland on Tuesday, Wales looking to put home advantage against their Bosnian counterparts to good use.
As expected in a clash of this magnitude, the first 45 minutes were full of tension. Both teams looking rather cagey in their bid to make further progress in their play-off path, a feeling out process taking place in Cardiff. More akin to sparring than searching for a knockout blow.
A cagey first half but not one without incident, Harry Wilson with the most notable chance before the interval. The Fulham midfielder given enough to time to get a shot away and as it bent towards the goal, home supporters were on their feet ready to cheer it in.
Unfortunately for both they and Wilson, the ball smacked against the post. A let off for Bosnia but no let off soon after the break. The deadlock finally broken in the 51st minute and broken after a mistake by the visitors.
A wayward back pass was seized on by Dan James. The 25-yard strike that followed had enough dip and swerve to cannon past Nikola Vasilj in the Bosnia goal. Rapture for Wales and with their noses in front, they had the smell for more.
James again in the thick of the action and moments after scoring the opener, he saw an effort cannon off the crossbar. Wales looking to score a second, Bosnia looking to score a first and more importantly, keep this tie alive.
The clock ticking, Welsh nerves fraying by the second and with 120 left of the game remaining, there would be heartbreak for the Euro 2016 semi-finalists. Bosnia finding an equaliser – who and what else but an Edin Dzeko header.
Dzeko on the scoresheet, extra-time looming. 30 further minutes where both teams play not to lose rather than to win. Fear gripping both sides, that fear only increasing as a penalty shootout was subsequently required in a bid to declare a winner.
Wales keeper Karl Darlow, who had already produced an excellent save from Ermedin Demirovic, foiled him again from the spot. Bosnia missing the first kick of the procedure. Following that Harry Wilson, Haris Tabakovic, Mark Harris and Ivan Basic all netted.
2-2 with Wales set to take their third effort. Brennan Johnson stepping up but subsequently sending his kick into orbit. A ghastly miss and one that changed the mood within the Welsh capital. The balance of power edging closer to Bosnia.
Amir Hadziahmetovic scored Bosnia's fourth penalty. Neco Williams saw his effort saved by Nikola Vasilj. 3-2 to Bosnia at this stage, presenting Kerim Alajbegovic the golden opportunity to send Bosnia through. An opportunity he took after slotting past Darlow.
Bosnia win 4-2 in the shootout, the Italian national team watching from a TV after beating Northern Ireland 2-0 in Bergamo that same evening. The two now set to meet on Tuesday, a place in North America awaits.
