Wales Faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in World Cup Play-Offs
Wales has learned the opponent they must overcome to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup.
Craig Bellamy's team will host Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-off semi-finals on March 26. The winner will then have the advantage of playing at home against either Northern Ireland or Italy in the final on March 31, with both matches being one-legged encounters.
Wales' pundits have shared their thoughts on the path to next summer's finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
'It’s a bit weird to have to wait until March'
Former defender Danny Gabbidon expressed confidence in the home draw, stating, "I think the key for Wales was getting the home draw; they feel they can beat anyone at Cardiff City Stadium. Bosnia-Herzegovina will be a tough opponent, as the last encounter during the Euro qualifiers proved challenging. They are a strong and experienced team.
"If we advance to the final, facing either Northern Ireland or Italy will be difficult. Matches against home nations carry a unique intensity and pressure. Italy, in particular, is a quality side that will be eager to qualify, having missed the last two World Cups. We wish the match was next month, as it feels strange to wait until March after our recent momentum."
'We have a great opportunity'
Ex-striker Robert Earnshaw remarked, "Bosnia-Herzegovina is a good team, but they are beatable, especially at home. The potential match against Italy or Northern Ireland would be significant. If we face Italy, it will require an extraordinary effort to qualify, as they are likely the toughest opponent. However, with only two matches separating us from the World Cup, we have a great opportunity."
Fond memories of Wales v Italy
Nia Jones, a former defender, noted, "Wales will be riding high after their recent 7-1 victory, boosting their confidence against Bosnia-Herzegovina, who are ranked 29 places below them. However, the final could be trickier, as a home nations derby tends to be tight and tense. The prospect of facing Italy brings back fond memories of that magical night in Cardiff in 2002, when Mr. Bellamy scored to help Wales secure a surprising victory against the Azzurri. Yet, given Italy's recent struggles to qualify, they are a team I would prefer to avoid."
'Anything can happen at Cardiff City Stadium'
Joe Ledley, who earned 77 caps for Wales, stated, "Bosnia-Herzegovina is the highest-ranked team we could have faced in the first round. If we win, having the final at home is a significant advantage, whether it’s against Northern Ireland or Italy. Italy has changed; they recently lost to Norway 4-1. With two home matches in the play-offs, we have no complaints. Anything can happen at Cardiff City Stadium."
'We could not have asked for more'
Ex-striker Iwan Roberts reflected, "We face Bosnia-Herzegovina, a team we have played four times without a win. We have not scored in three of those encounters, with the most memorable being our 2-0 loss in Bosnia on October 10, 2015, though it was a great night as we qualified for Euro 2016. Defensively, they are solid, having only conceded seven goals in their eight matches and not losing away from home. It will be a tough challenge, but we are the favorites. If we beat Bosnia, we know we will face either Italy or Northern Ireland in the final, also at home, which is a massive advantage for us."
'I was looking at location over opposition'
Sam Vokes, who played at Euro 2016, shared, "I prioritized location over opposition because I know how crucial that is for us. We saw that in our last match, and it’s a huge factor. While we shouldn’t look too far ahead to the final, all things considered, this is a favorable draw for us. Our past record against Bosnia-Herzegovina isn’t great, but most of the current squad wasn’t part of those matches. We have good memories of Bosnia, not from the 2-0 loss, but from the overall outcome."