' MATCH THREAD ' ' BOSNIA V WALES ' ' MATCH THREAD '

BOSNIA v WALES
European Championship Qualifiers
Saturday 10th October 2015 7.45pm
Stadion Bilino polje, Zenica

Bosnia v Wales Euro 2016 The time for hope is over... the moment has come for Wales to deliver the dream


WALES TEAM

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A point in Zenica will be enough to see Wales qualify for Euro 2016, our first major tournament in over 50 years

Wales Fans in Bosnia viewtopic.php?f=2&t=163762

' WALES GROUP TABLE/KEEP UPDATED '
Link
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=163759

Saturday night will hopefully be the greatest night in the lives of Welsh football fans

About 800-1,000 Welsh fans are expected to travel

Bosnia 4/5
Draw 13/5
Wales 10/3

wales bosnia.PNG

' UPDATED DAILY '


Wales have received a massive boost with Gareth Bale making a return from a reccurring calf injury

BBC Wales Sport ‏
Asked about Gareth Bale potentially not starting for Wales in Bosnia, Gunter says: "It would take a brave man to tell him he's not playing."

SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko has a good chance of recovering from a knee injury in time for their Euro 2016 home qualifier against Wales on Saturday, the Balkan nation's assistant coach Dragan Peric said.


Latest News


Wales have received a massive boost with Gareth Bale making a return from a reccurring calf injury

While David Cotterill has been forced to withdraw due to a hamstring injury, being replaced by Wes Burns. Joe Allen returns from suspension but a yellow card for his midfield partner would trigger a suspension for Joe Ledley. Emyr Huws has earned himself a re-call after a good start to his domestic season while David Edwards has been called up despite suffering an initial injury.

Preview

Bosnia and Herzegovina will look to keep Wales waiting in Group B, Chris Coleman's side within sight of their first final tournament since the 1958 FIFA World Cup.

Bosnia and Herzegovina are still in the running for a play-off place, but need to gain three points on Israel in their closing two games. Israel have the better head-to-head record in the event that the sides finish level on points.

Five points clear of third-placed Israel – the only side that can deny them a top-two finish – Wales can only miss out on an automatic finals slot if they lose both of their remaining games (and Israel win both of theirs).

Previous Meetings

The sides drew 0-0 in Cardiff in their first Group B meeting.

The sides' only previous meetings were in friendly matches; a 2-2 draw in Cardiff in 2003 and a 2-0 win for Safet Sušić's visitors in Llanelli on 15 August 2012 when Vedad Ibišević and Miroslav Stevanović were on target.

Tournament Form

One side or the other has scored three goals in Bosnia and Herzegovina's last five Group B games (W3 L2) which have ended (most recent last) 0-3, 3-0, 3-1, 1-3, 3-0.

The Bosnians are unbeaten in three Group B home games (W2 D1).

Wales are unbeaten in Group B, and in ten competitive games in total (W6 D4) – their longest unbeaten run in competitive games, surpassing an eight-game streak from November 1984 to September 1987 (W5 D3). During that ten-game run they have conceded just three goals.

Wales are unbeaten in five competitive away games (W3 D2) and have not conceded in the most recent three.

Possible Lineups

Wales

01 Hennessey
02 Gunter
06 Williams
18 Davies
04 Richards
10 Ramsey
07 Edwards
08 King
03 Taylor
11 Bale
09 Robson-Kanu

Bosnia

01 Begovic
03 Bicakcic
15 Sunjic
04 Spahic
05 Kolasinac
02 Zec
10 Pjanic
07 Besic
16 Lulic
09 Ibisevic
11 Dzeko

Form - Previous group games

Wales

Sun 6 Sep: Wales 0-0 Israel
Thu 3 Sep: Cyprus 0-1 Wales
Fri 12 Jun: Wales 1-0 Belgium
Sat 28 Mar: Israel 0-3 Wales
Sun 16 Nov: Belgium 0-0 Wales
Mon 13 Oct: Wales 2-1 Cyprus
Fri 10 Oct: Wales 0-0 Bos-Herce
Tue 9 Sep: Andorra 1-2 Wales

Bosnia

Sun 6 Sep: Bos-Herce 3-0 Andorra
Thu 3 Sep: Belgium 3-1 Bos-Herce
Fri 12 Jun: Bos-Herce 3-1 Israel
Sat 28 Mar: Andorra 0-3 Bos-Herce
Sun 16 Nov: Israel 3-0 Bos-Herce
Mon 13 Oct: Bos-Herce 1-1 Belgium
Fri 10 Oct: Wales 0-0 Bos-Herce
Tue 9 Sep: Bos-Herce 1-2 Cyprus

Previous Highlights



Stadium



Key facts

Stadion Bilino Polje is the home ground of Bosnian Premier League side NK Čelik Zenica. First opened in 1972, it is currently one of two stadiums used by the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team along with Asim Ferhatović Hase Stadium.

History and description

Bilino Polje first opened in 1972 in order to replace NK Čelik’s previous ground known as Blatuša. Capable of accommodating 15,600 supporters, the old stand was beginning to show its age as a result of the wooden building materials and was slowly beginning to decay after almost 30 years of use.

The project was largely financed by the company Željezara who wanted to use the promise of high-quality football as a pull factor for workers around the local region. Historically an industrial city, Zenica’s best known football team, NK Čelik were competing within the Yugoslav First League which was the highest tier of football back then.

Constructed over a period of 8 months, it was completed in time to host to host matches of the Mitropa Cup which features clubs from across Europe. NK Čelik defeated ACF Fiorentina in order to retain their title, and christen their new ground with an impressive victory.

Built very much in the English model, the rectangular arrangement of stands is still somewhat uncommon on Bosnia and Herzegovina to this day. Stadion Bilino Polje is arguably the most celebrated stadium in the country despite not being located in the capital city or boasting the largest capacity.

The first international match of Bosnia was played against Albania in 1996, and for the next 10 years Bilino Polke Stadium became known as a fortress. Across 15 matches, Bosnia’s national team was undefeated until a Euro 2008 qualifier against Hungary.

Table as it stands

Capture2.PNG

Match Odds

Bosnia 4/5
Draw 13/5
Wales 10/3

Guess the score

Post your predictions below

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1 nil.

1-1 job done (rambo)

2.1 Wales

nil nil

2-2

2-1 Bosnia - will only delay our qualification by a few days - so no sweat

0-1

0-2 Wales!! Wale are going to France!!

0-2 Wales!! Wale are going to France!!

0-2 Wales!! Wale are going to France!!

1-1 the point we need

1-1 then party time.

0-2 wales, party time out there sat night.

1-1

About 800-1,000 Welsh Fans are expected to make the trip

1-1

Where did that Wales line-up come from?! Do you just recycle it from the previous game? King and Edwards won't start, Allen and Ledley will. Maybe Huws if Allen isn't quite fit enough.

All set for a bumper Super Saturday as Wales' football and rugby teams face crucial matches

While the rugby team try top their group, the football team could qualify for their first major tournament since 1958

I'm leaving tomorrow - Can't wait WALES, WALES, WALES

Bosnia v Wales: Outspoken coach Mehmed Bazdarevic insists 'We are a better team than Wales'


7 OCT 2015

BY GARETH ROGERS

Wales might be on the brink of qualifying for Euro 2016 but Bosnia's coach insists his team are better than Gareth Bale and the boys


Bosnia coach Mehmed Bazdarevic has some strong words for Wales

Bosnia coach Mehmed Bazdarevic has fired the first verbal bullets of Saturday night's match in Zenica by insisting his team are better than Chris Coleman's table toppers.

Despite his team sitting seven points behind Wales with two games to go, the outspoken former Yugoslavia international told the assembled media in Zenica: "We have the strength and quality and we are the better team than Wales."



In the year since they impressed against the likes of Argentina and Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup, Bosnia have dropped from 19th to 30th in the Fifa rankings, while Wales have soared to eighth and are a point away from the Euro 2016 finals.


And, even though they're struggling to make third in qualifying Group B, and they're suffering a mini injury crisis, their coach told Bosanski Portal : "Even though we have a lot of problems, I think the squad we have has sufficient quality to win the next two games.

"Wales are the group leaders and they are a good team but we will make every effort to get the results we want.

"At one point we were worried but things are changing."

The Bosnian fitness worries have mostly surrounded Rome based pair Senad Lulic and Edin Dzeko.

And while the Lazio left back has been passed fit to play, Roma's former Man City striker is still in the Italian capital working with his fitness coach as he attempts to make the match.


Bazdarevic insists he expects star man Dzeko to play against Wales, even though he missed Roma's 4-2 win in Palermo on Sunday.

The Bosnia boss, who met up with most of his squad in Zenica yesterday, added: "If it happens that we are missing key players, I think we have the power and we have to look for strength in other players.


"They might not be as good on paper but we are together and will do what we can to win."

Midfielder Anel Hadzic said: "The team atmosphere is great, and certainly we expect a very tough match.

More: Big guns keen to avoid Wales in November friendly

"We are aware of the importance of this match and we will do our best to win.

"It will be very difficult, but we are optimistic. Our fans in Zenica will be the 12th player and I hope that we are just ease this difficult situation '

SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko has a good chance of recovering from a knee injury in time for their Euro 2016 home qualifier against Wales on Saturday, the Balkan nation's assistant coach Dragan Peric said.

BBC Wales Sport ‏
Asked about Gareth Bale potentially not starting for Wales in Bosnia, Gunter says: "It would take a brave man to tell him he's not playing."

Bosnia 4/5
Draw 13/5
Wales 10/3

I don't think Israel will beat Cyprus. Which will mean we are through doesn't it?.

They'll have their mind on other things with it all kicking off over that temple in Jerusalem and the stabbings which have happened in the past few days.

And they aren't that good, they have to win. And Cyprus are half decent.

People seem to be worrying if we'll get a point from the last two games when it doesn't matter - Israel will not beat Belgium in a thousand years. So we are safe.

' Why are Bosnia clear favourites? '

8 OCT 2015


BY IAN CARBIS

It's another big match for Chris Coleman's men. What are the main markets on offer, how do the bookies rate Wales’ chances and what look like value bets?



Edin Dzeko and Gareth Bale lead the way in the betting for first goal scorerEdin Dzeko and Gareth Bale lead the way in the betting for first goal scorer

Chris Coleman’s Wales head for Zeneca hoping to win the point against Bosnia & Herzegovina that will guarantee them qualification for the Euro 2016 finals.

Coleman has virtually a full squad to choose from as the Dragons look to book Wales’ first appearance at a major finals since 1958, but the bookies think they may have to wait until Tuesday’s clash with Andorra to get their passports ready.



To win
Wales manager Chris Coleman will want to net a finals place at Euro 2016 as soon as possibleWales manager Chris Coleman will want to net a finals place at Euro 2016 as soon as possible
Related: Big guns keen to avoid Wales in November friendly

The bare reading of a 0-0 draw in Cardiff the last time the two teams met does the match no justice. It was a full-blooded encounter between two decent sides which both had chances to win. But the bookies are backing home advantage to count in Zenica on Saturday.

Odds: Bosnia-Herzegovina 10/11, Wales 3/1, Draw 12/5.

Bets: Chris Coleman’s men know what they have to do, one point would clinch a Euro 2016 place so they party can start ahead of the Andorra match. Back the draw at 12/5.




First/last scorer
Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Vedad Ibisevic will be a threat to WalesBosnia and Herzegovina striker Vedad Ibisevic will be a threat to Wales
Related: How the courage of the Welsh rugby team has inspired Wales' footballers to deliver history

The bookies have gone Bosnia heavy in their list for the opening goal, with only Gareth Bale and Hal Robson-Kanu below 10/1 for Wales.

After a tumultuous 0-0 draw the last time the teams met, it’s 7/1 no goalscorer.



Odds: 7/2 E Dzeko (BH); 4/1 V Ibisevic (BH); 5/1 A Hodzic (BH); 11/2 G Bale (W); 13/2 E Zec (BH). M Pjanic (BH); 9/1 S Stilic (BH), H Robson-Kanu (W); 11/1 A Ramsey (W); 20/1 J Ledley (W).

Bets: Backing Gareth Bale as first or last scorer in this campaign has been highly profitable, so there’s no need to deviate this time, especially at 11/2. But Bosnia have a host a talent, even if Edin Dzeko doesn’t make it, Vedad Ibisevic is the man at 4/1.

HT/FT
Wales' Hal Robson-Kanu has a shot on goal against Bosnia & Herzegovina in CardiffWales' Hal Robson-Kanu has a shot on goal against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Cardiff
With the backing of a fervent home crowd in Zenica, the bookies have gone for a Bosnia/Bosnia bet as favourites, though they have fallen back on a draw/draw too.

Odds: 2/1 BH/BH; 4/1 Draw/BH, Draw/Draw; 6/1 Wal/Wal; 8/1 Draw/Wal; 16/1 BH/Draw, Wal/Draw; 30/1 Wal/BH; 45/1 BH/Wal.



Bets: There’s plenty of character in this Wales team, so while 4/1 on a draw at 45 and 90 minutes looks good, what about a whopping 16/1 on a home half-time lead followed by a second-half Wales equaliser.





Correct score
Gareth Bale goes close in the first match between Wales and Bosnia & Herzegovina in their Euro 2016 qualifierGareth Bale goes close in the first match between Wales and Bosnia & Herzegovina in their Euro 2016 qualifier
There wasn’t much between the sides when they met in Cardiff earlier in the group and the bookies have taken this into account, with one-goal margins and draws at the head of the betting.

Odds: 1-0 BH 11/2; Wal 9/1; 2-1 BH 15/2, Wal 16/1, 2-0 BH 7/1, Wal 16/1; 1-1 11/2; 2-2 16/1, 0-0 7/1.




And another thing

The first match between Wales and Bosnia & Herzegovina was a feisty encounterThe first match between Wales and Bosnia & Herzegovina was a feisty encounter
As previously said, it was a feisty encounter between the two earlier in the campaign, so SkyBet have opened a book on there being a red card at 11/4 for a yes. They also quote 9/4 on Gareth Bale scoring the first Wales goal, whether it’s the opening goal of the match or not.



To win Euro 2016

With Wales on the brink of qualification for the Euro 2016 finals, there’s been the welcome sight of them being quoted in the long list of potential winners of the competition. Ladbrokes have them at 66/1 to lift the Henri Delaunay Cup on July 10, though they are well down the list. World Cup holders Germany are naturally favourites at 3/1, with hosts France at 4/1, holders Spain at 11/2 and England 12/1.

CHRIS GUNTER is currently winning the race to become the first Welsh footballer to win 100 international caps, but he insists it’s only qualification for a major tournament that he wants to look back on in retirement.

Gunter has 61 caps for his country, putting him ahead of his contemporaries, with Wayne Hennessey (51), Joe Ledley (57) and Gareth Bale (52) all also closing in on potentially record appearances for the Dragons.

Neville Southall has the most caps of any Welshman with 92 while Gary Speed is the most-capped outfield player on 85.

Saturday night will hopefully be the greatest night in the lives of Welsh football fans

Coach Martyn Margetson and goalkeepers Wayne Hennessey, Daniel Ward and Owain Fon Williams will emerge first before the outfield players, adhering to strict Uefa guidelines on how long they are allowed to warm-up for before returning to the dressing rooms.

The outfield players are spilt and warmed up by both Ryland and Dr Adam Owen (fitness coach) where general dynamic movements are conducted along with more technically based activities and concluded with short sprints.

2-0 Bosnia