Wales are just two games away from qualifying for this summer’s World Cup, but know they will have to be at their best against Bosnia on Thursday, if they are to take another step toward securing their place in the draw (7:45pm, BBC Two, iPlayer & S4C).
Craig Bellamy’s side go into the game at the Cardiff City Stadium as the favourites, sitting 36 places above their opponents in the current world rankings, and betting sites are offering 11/4 on Wales qualifying. If they can overcome Bosnia, they will face a home play-off final against Italy or Northern Ireland on Tuesday, 31 March.
Wales are aiming to reach their second successive World Cup finals after qualifying for Qatar 2022. Five wins from their eight qualifiers earned them second place in Group J, behind Belgium, to set up this tie. For Bosnia, they’ve not qualified for a World Cup finals since 2014, but they also won five of their eight qualifiers to finish second in their group behind Austria.
Bosnia have a poor record in play-off games, having never won any of their seven previous such matches (three draws, four losses). The two sides have only met four times before, and Wales are still looking for their first win, with two draws and two defeats so far.
Fulham’s Harry Wilson has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 14 goals in total, including 10 in the Premier League. He has been a key figure for Bellamy in this qualifying campaign, with five goals, including a hat-trick in the 7-1 win over North Macedonia. Wilson is available at 21/10 to score anytime in Cardiff.
Wales are without several key players due to injury, including Connor Roberts, Ben Davies, Kieffer Moore and Chris Mepham. Bosnia’s squad includes Hull City loanee Amir Hadziahmetovic and 40-year-old Edin Dzeko.
