Wales' World Cup dream ended by Bosnia and Herzegovina
Brennan Johnson missed a penalty as Wales lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina (Darren Staples) Wales' World Cup dream was ended by defeat on penalties as Bosnia and Herzegovina set up a play-off final against Italy after coming from behind in Cardiff. Dan James' spectacular strike put Craig Bellamy's side in front before 40-year-old Edin Dzeko rescued the visitors four minutes from time as the 90 minutes ended 1-1. Neither side could find a winner as both teams tired in extra time, potentially handing Italy an advantage after they saw off Northern Ireland 2-0.
Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams then failed to convert their spot-kicks before impressive teenager Kerim Alajbegovic coolly slotted home the decisive penalty. "Italy are the favourites even if we play at home," said Dzeko, who spent eight years in Serie A with Roma and Inter Milan. "It is a big nation and they didn't got to the last two World Cups so they are under pressure.
" Two years to the day since Wales' bid to qualify for Euro 2024 was ended on penalties by Poland, they suffered more heartbreak on home soil. Tellingly they have now failed to qualify for the two major tournaments since Gareth Bale's retirement from international football after a golden era that included a run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals. "Proud but very disappointed," said Bellamy.
"We expect to be at major tournaments or really push ourselves to be there. "It's a big lesson for us we need to see games out with the ball. " In the post-Bale era, Harry Wilson has grown into Wales' talisman and the in-form Fulham midfielder came closest to breaking the deadlock of a bruising first half when his curling effort came back off the inside of the post.
James was on the receiving end of much of Bosnia's rough treatment as the visitors had three players booked in the opening 39 minutes. But he bounced back up to open the scoring in style. James used his pace to latch onto a misplaced pass by Benjamin Tahirovic and caught Nikola Vasilj still retreating towards his own goal by taking his shot early on the half-volley.