Wales suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Cardiff City Stadium to end their dreams of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A moment of magic from Daniel James opened the scoring for Craig Bellamy’s side before an 86th minute header from veteran captain Edin Džeko levelled the game.
Following a goalless extra-time the game was ultimately decided via penalty shootout, with substitute Kerim Alajbegovic scoring the winning spot kick for the visitors and sending the away fans into rapture.
They will now face Italy in the play-off final after the Azzurri secured a 2-0 home win against Northern Ireland in Bergamo, with goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
Wales player ratings
Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow celebrates his side going 1-0 up against Montenegro in UEFA Nations League at Cardiff City Stadium on 14th October 2024. Image: Perry Dobbins.
Karl Darlow – 9
The best performance of his Wales career to date. The shot stopper was solid with his distribution, commanded his area and produced multiple incredibly important saves.
Neco Williams – 7
A strong defensive performance and played his part going forward down the right side but was unfortunately the player who missed the vital penalty to give Bosnia the chance to win the tie.
Dylan Lawlor – 7
Phenomenal bravery and composure at a young age in such a big international fixture. He has a bright future in the red shirt.
Joe Rodon – 7
He has shown real leadership qualities through this campaign so far and showcased it again tonight next to a lesser experienced centre-half partner.
Jay Dasilva – 6
The Coventry City man was clumsy in possession at points but overall was solid in the Welsh backline and didn’t have any major troubles defensively.
Ethan Ampadu (C) – 7
Donned the captains armband for Bellamy’s side with the absence of Ben Davies and provided a classy performance in the heart of midfield, constantly breaking up play and linking defence and attack.
Jordan James – 6
His night was cut short, leaving the field on the 55th minute after picking up a knock. He put in a solid performance in the middle of the park for Wales on both sides of the ball.
Harry Wilson – 7
Being the obvious danger man for Wales he found it hard at times to have much space on the ball and found himself being fouled a number of times, but there’s no doubting how important he is to this sides future.
David Brooks – 7
Some good link-up play in the attacking phases and worked hard on both sides of the ball before being replaced with 15-minutes to go.
Daniel James of Wales in action.
Wales v Armenia in a UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium on the 16th June 2023.
Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Daniel James – 8
A moment of magic from the Leeds United man to open the scoring for Wales and send the Red Wall into ecstasy. He caused issues for the Bosnia backline before being replaced in the 84th minute.
Brennan Johnson – 6
A strong display from Johnson with some vital defensive work to stop dangerous attacks from the visiting side but offered a really poor penalty in the shootout.
Liam Cullen – 5
A second half substitute for Wales that didn’t have the desired impact during his time on the field.
Mark Harris – 5
A second half substitute for Wales who struggled to get on the end of crosses into the opposition area.
Sorba Thomas – 6
A second half substitute for Wales, he was dangerous down the left side but his deliveries failed to find a red shirt.
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