BOSNIA: Wales’ dream of a third straight World Cup appearance shattered under the floodlights of Sarajevo’s Asim Ferhatović Hase stadium. In a tense qualifier playoff, Bosnia edged the Dragons 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, ending Rob Page’s side’s valiant run. The aggregate scoreline flattered the hosts, but it was Welsh resolve that had fans on edge until the final kick.
The first half saw Wales dominate possession, with Brennan Johnson rattling the crossbar from 20 yards. Bosnia struck first in the 52nd minute through Edin Džeko’s poacher’s finish, the veteran forward slipping Mark Harris’ marker to nod in a corner. Wales leveled 12 minutes later when Harry Wilson curled a beauty from the edge of the box, his left foot doing the talking after a quick one-two with Neco Williams.
Extra time brought exhaustion and near-misses. Ethan Ampadu headed against the post in the 108th minute, while Bosnia’s Sead Kolašinac cleared off the line from a Davies cross. Penalties loomed, and Wales struck first with Johnson, Wilson, and Williams converting. But Ampadu’s shot was saved by goalkeeper Muhamed Pašalić, and Davies dragged his effort wide, handing Bosnia victory via Darko Kopić’s decisive spot-kick.
Page praised his “warriors,” pointing to injuries that sidelined key players like Rodri and Bale’s successor Ben Davies earlier. “We left everything out there,” he told BBC. Bosnia, coached by new boss Dušan Bajević, advance to the intercontinental playoffs, their first WC shot since 2014.
For Wales, it’s back to Nations League drawing board. Young guns like Johnson gain experience, but the pain lingers. Page: “We’ll regroup for Euro 2028 quals.” Fans streamed out somberly, but pride in the fight remains.
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