Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Wales. European Championship Qualifying Group B.
Bilino Polje.
Sunday 11 October 2015 09:55, UK
Wales have qualified for Euro 2016 despite losing 2-0 in Bosnia after Israel were surprisingly beaten 2-1 at home to Cyprus.
It is the first time Wales have qualified for a tournament of note since the 1958 World Cup - and it will be their first ever appearance at the Euros.
Wales travelled to Bosnia knowing a point would see them into next summer's showpiece in France and although Milan Djuric and Vedad Ibisevic broke through the usually resolute Welsh defence, Cyprus' win in Isreal assured qualification.
Gareth Bale started his first game since damaging a calf playing for Real Madrid on September 16 but Bosnia's record goalscorer Edin Dzeko only made the bench after a recent knee problem and the former Manchester City striker's absence was sorely felt as the hosts were largely toothless throughout.
Wales boss Chris Coleman had promised to take the game to a Bosnian side who still harboured hopes of a play-off place with Israel two points above them going into the final two rounds of matches.
It was a tactic which almost paid off as early as the third minute when Aaron Ramsey released Bale and his ball to Robson-Kanu was just about cut out with the Reading man in tap-in territory.
Senad Lulic tried to inject some urgency into Bosnia's play with a forceful run but Ashley Williams ensured it came to nothing before Ramsey broke forward with menace and Bale sent a free-kick at Asmir Begovic in the Bosnian goal.
Bosnia were also served warning that they could not relax at the back when Bale raced into Taylor's ball and showed Toni Sunjic a clean pair of heels before firing over.
There was a growing anxiety among Bosnian supporters but the news from Israel was good for both them and the Welsh contingent, with Cyprus having taken the lead in Jerusalem.
But that nervousness turned to delirium as Djuric looped a header over Wayne Hennessey and under the crossbar to give his side the lead.
It got worse for Wales with news of an Israel equaliser and they pushed forward themselves in search of a leveller.
But they conceded a second in the final minute when Ibisevic turned home Djuric's cross from close range.
By then, however, the 700 or so visiting fans were celebrating as news filtered through of Cyprus' victory to kick-start the Welsh party.
