Wales qualify despite Bosnia and Herzegovina loss
Saturday, October 10, 2015
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Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 Wales
With Israel losing, Wales reached their first EURO despite this first Group B defeat, which also means the home side are up to third in the section.
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- Wales qualify for first EURO despite first Group B defeat in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Substitute Milan Djurić heads home side in front (71)
- Vedad Ibišević seals win from close range late on (90)
- Chris Coleman's team progress as Israel lose; Bosnia and Herzegovina go third
- Final games: Cyprus v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Wales v Andorra (Tuesday)
Wales reached the UEFA European Championship for the first time despite defeat in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milan Djurić and Vedad Ibišević scoring in the last 20 minutes to secure a win that lifts the hosts into third in Group B.
Wales survived an early scare when a Ben Davies slip let in Miralem Pjanić, who rolled a pass through to Edin Višća; his shot flew centimetres wide of the far post. Needing a victory to keep the pressure on third-placed Israel, Bosnia and Herzegovina did most of the pressing throughout the first period – but Wales looked increasingly dangerous on the counterattack.
The visitors' approach so nearly paid off in added time as Hal Robson-Kanu played in Aaron Ramsey. The Wales midfielder tricked his way through but was denied by a combination of Asmir Begović and Ervin Zukanovic, Mensur Mujdža preventing Robson-Kanu forcing in the loose ball.
Gareth Bale lashed an effort wide early in the second period and Wales continued to threaten. With news filtering through that Israel were losing at home to Cyprus, Chris Coleman's team suddenly knew even a defeat would do while the home side realised a win would take them above Israel and into the section's play-off spot.
With the greater incentive to get forward, Bosnia and Herzegovina made the breakthrough with 19 minutes left. Again Pjanić was the architect, delivering a long free-kick into the area, where substitute Djurić acted decisively, sending a looping header over Wayne Hennessey to the noisy delight of the home crowd.
Ramsey volleyed too high as Wales sought a response, while Bale blasted a cross-shot wide of the far post. Instead it was the Bosnians who wrapped up the points, Pjanić's right-wing corner finding Djurić at the far post; the substitute fired across goal and Ibišević turned in from close range.
Wales were downhearted – but as confirmation came through of Israel's reverse, both teams were celebrating at the final whistle.