Bosnia and Herzegovina defeat Wales on penalties to set up Italy play-off final

After an emotional singing of their national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, Wales star Harry Wilson almost delighted the home crowd with an early goal as his curling effort struck the far post, much to the relief of Bosnian fans gathered noisily in one corner of Cardiff City Stadium.

The away team was fully committed to the fight and aimed for a tough physical match, resulting in a fragmented first half that still offered Wales chances from dead balls.

Wilson posed a threat from one of several free kicks awarded to the hosts, prompting Nikola Vasilj to punch the ball clear from the near post and keeping the intense game scoreless at half time.

Inspired by Craig Bellamy's words at the interval, Daniel James needed only seven minutes of the second half to score the vital goal with a powerful long range shot that electrified the Welsh capital.

The Leeds United forward chased down the loose ball and chose to shoot promptly, catching Vasilj off guard as the keeper seemed to lose his footing at the key instant.

Emboldened after netting his 11th goal for his country, James came very close to adding a second for the home side with a left footed attempt that looped onto the bar after a deflection.

Sensing their World Cup aspirations fading, Bosnia pushed forward with greater urgency, soon creating a header from Ermedin Demirovic that forced Karl Darlow into a full length save.

Regrettably for the Welsh keeper, that fine effort was overshadowed shortly after when he rashly attempted to claim an 86th minute corner, allowing experienced striker Edin Dzeko to flick it in and force extra time with his sixth international goal in as many recent outings.

The players took a brief break before resuming in the opening half of extra time, where Tarik Muharemovic cleared a header from Wilson off the line in the nick of time. The resilient Welsh side dominated the closing quarter, yet Bosnia held out to force a penalty shootout that would determine who advances towards a summer tournament in North America.

Darlow saved the initial penalty in the tense shootout, but Brennan Johnson sent his attempt high over the bar, and then Neco Williams' kick was brilliantly stopped by Vasilj, setting up Kerim Alajbegović to convert the decisive spot kick and spark joy among Bosnia supporters while ending Wales' bid for back to back World Cup qualifications.

Through this, the young player helped preserve Bosnia's chance of qualifying for their second major tournament since gaining independence.