UPDATED ' Full Report & Players Ratings " Wales v Bosnia " '
Fri Oct 10, 2014 8:45 pm
FINAL SCORE
WALES 0 v BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 0
Cardiff City Stadium
FT 90 +5
Crowd
30,741
Wales fought out a goalless draw with Bosnia-Hercegovina to maintain their unbeaten start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
Neither team played with much fluency in a tight first half, but the match burst into life in a second period peppered with chances at both ends.
Home goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey produced several excellent saves to deny the visitors, while Wales were close to snatching a late winner through Ashley Williams and Gareth Bale.
After winning their previous match in Andorra 2-1 and with other results going their way, a draw was enough to take Wales to the top of Group B.
Chris Coleman's side were backed by a vociferous crowd of 30,741 at the Cardiff City Stadium - though it also included a very vocal away following - a record attendance for an international fixture at the venue. They face Cyprus at the same ground on Monday.
Bale had scored 11 goals in his previous 15 international appearances before Friday's game
Injuries had disrupted preparations for Wales, with Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen of Liverpool the most notable absentees.
Joe Ledley and Jonathan Williams were given the formidable task of replacing them - and containing a dangerous Bosnian midfield featuring Roma's Miralem Pjanic.
Williams created the game's first chance, as his corner was headed over by his namesake, captain Ashley Williams, in the seventh minute.
It was not long before Bale had his first effort on goal, latching on to a long pass from Ben Davies but sending a deft volley over the bar.
The Real Madrid winger was not as influential as usual, primarily because the world's most expensive player was stalked everywhere he went by Everton's Muhamed Besic.
As well as shackling the hosts' main threat, Bosnia showed flashes of their own attacking potential in the first half with a couple of shots from distance from Pjanic.
And they were quickly on the front foot after the restart.
Hennessey had to make two excellent saves to deny Haris Medunjanin and captain Edin Dzeko, while the Crystal Palace keeper was well beaten by a Pjanic free-kick that curled narrowly wide.
The hosts had a glorious chance to take the lead against the run of play, but an unmarked Ashley Williams headed over from Bale's free-kick.
That was the catalyst for a frantic finale, with Hennessey brilliantly saving a Pjanic free-kick and Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic producing the save of the night to palm away Bale's fierce angled shot.
WALES 0 v BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 0
Cardiff City Stadium
FT 90 +5
Crowd
30,741
Wales fought out a goalless draw with Bosnia-Hercegovina to maintain their unbeaten start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
Neither team played with much fluency in a tight first half, but the match burst into life in a second period peppered with chances at both ends.
Home goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey produced several excellent saves to deny the visitors, while Wales were close to snatching a late winner through Ashley Williams and Gareth Bale.
After winning their previous match in Andorra 2-1 and with other results going their way, a draw was enough to take Wales to the top of Group B.
Chris Coleman's side were backed by a vociferous crowd of 30,741 at the Cardiff City Stadium - though it also included a very vocal away following - a record attendance for an international fixture at the venue. They face Cyprus at the same ground on Monday.
Bale had scored 11 goals in his previous 15 international appearances before Friday's game
Injuries had disrupted preparations for Wales, with Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen of Liverpool the most notable absentees.
Joe Ledley and Jonathan Williams were given the formidable task of replacing them - and containing a dangerous Bosnian midfield featuring Roma's Miralem Pjanic.
Williams created the game's first chance, as his corner was headed over by his namesake, captain Ashley Williams, in the seventh minute.
It was not long before Bale had his first effort on goal, latching on to a long pass from Ben Davies but sending a deft volley over the bar.
The Real Madrid winger was not as influential as usual, primarily because the world's most expensive player was stalked everywhere he went by Everton's Muhamed Besic.
As well as shackling the hosts' main threat, Bosnia showed flashes of their own attacking potential in the first half with a couple of shots from distance from Pjanic.
And they were quickly on the front foot after the restart.
Hennessey had to make two excellent saves to deny Haris Medunjanin and captain Edin Dzeko, while the Crystal Palace keeper was well beaten by a Pjanic free-kick that curled narrowly wide.
The hosts had a glorious chance to take the lead against the run of play, but an unmarked Ashley Williams headed over from Bale's free-kick.
That was the catalyst for a frantic finale, with Hennessey brilliantly saving a Pjanic free-kick and Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic producing the save of the night to palm away Bale's fierce angled shot.
Re: ' Report Wales v Bosnia '
Fri Oct 10, 2014 9:08 pm
Wales vs Bosnia player ratings: The best and the worst from a tense Euro 2016 qualifying match
Friday Oct 10th 2014
By Jon Doel
Football correspondent Chris Wathan rates the Wales players in the Euro 2016 qualifying draw against Bosnia
It's been a long time since we saw a Wales performance like that!
It may not have been the three points Chris Coleman craved but an enthralling 0-0 draw against Bosnia provided all the evidence needed that this group of Welsh players really can qualify for Euro 2016.
From the outstanding Wayne Hennessey to the supreme Gareth Bale, this was a performance to fill a nation with hope.
WAYNE HENNESSEY: Had to deal with a couple of awkward first half shots before smothering Medunjanin's big chance early in the second and staying at his athletic best. 8
CHRIS GUNTER: Thrived in wingback role, both giving ample cover defensively while providing excellent attacking options down the right. Tougher second-half but strong showing. 8
ASHLEY WILLIAMS(CAPT): Led by steely example although was constantly tested by Dzeko's runs. Stood up for teammates but should have buried big headed chance from Bale free-kick. 8
JAMES CHESTER: Showed little fear of the Bosnia frontline and stayed composed to deal with threat well. Some big tackles that the Bosnian's didn't like but held firm. Hugely impressive and great reading from the rookie. 9
BEN DAVIES: Pushed into the left side of a three-man central defence but showed great deal of maturity and linked well with Taylor. Good positional play. 8
NEIL TAYLOR: Superb wing-back play, certainly on the cover as he ate up the grass to shadow Bosnia breaks and never gave up. 8
ANDY KING: Struggled somewhat as Bosnia took grip of the middle of the park and was fortunate to find cover when dived in needlessly on half-way line but covered ground well after break. 6
JONATHAN WILLIAMS: The impish Ipswich midfielder scurried around the pitch to close space and was happy to try and drive ball on and had nothing left when made way for namesake George. 7
JOE LEDLEY: The experienced Crystal Palace man took his club form onto the international stage and took responsibility for the work-rate needed in the middle. Big game when it was needed. 9
GARETH BALE: Was able to turn nothing balls into Bosnian worry although did have to contend with the superb Besic. Couldn't get breaks and no moment of magic but didn't stop trying. So close at death. 8
SIMON CHURCH: Started well with his teammates, doing a lot of the leg work in a thankless task alone up top. Gave Bosnia's worried defence work to do without threatening before making way. 6
Friday Oct 10th 2014
By Jon Doel
Football correspondent Chris Wathan rates the Wales players in the Euro 2016 qualifying draw against Bosnia
It's been a long time since we saw a Wales performance like that!
It may not have been the three points Chris Coleman craved but an enthralling 0-0 draw against Bosnia provided all the evidence needed that this group of Welsh players really can qualify for Euro 2016.
From the outstanding Wayne Hennessey to the supreme Gareth Bale, this was a performance to fill a nation with hope.
WAYNE HENNESSEY: Had to deal with a couple of awkward first half shots before smothering Medunjanin's big chance early in the second and staying at his athletic best. 8
CHRIS GUNTER: Thrived in wingback role, both giving ample cover defensively while providing excellent attacking options down the right. Tougher second-half but strong showing. 8
ASHLEY WILLIAMS(CAPT): Led by steely example although was constantly tested by Dzeko's runs. Stood up for teammates but should have buried big headed chance from Bale free-kick. 8
JAMES CHESTER: Showed little fear of the Bosnia frontline and stayed composed to deal with threat well. Some big tackles that the Bosnian's didn't like but held firm. Hugely impressive and great reading from the rookie. 9
BEN DAVIES: Pushed into the left side of a three-man central defence but showed great deal of maturity and linked well with Taylor. Good positional play. 8
NEIL TAYLOR: Superb wing-back play, certainly on the cover as he ate up the grass to shadow Bosnia breaks and never gave up. 8
ANDY KING: Struggled somewhat as Bosnia took grip of the middle of the park and was fortunate to find cover when dived in needlessly on half-way line but covered ground well after break. 6
JONATHAN WILLIAMS: The impish Ipswich midfielder scurried around the pitch to close space and was happy to try and drive ball on and had nothing left when made way for namesake George. 7
JOE LEDLEY: The experienced Crystal Palace man took his club form onto the international stage and took responsibility for the work-rate needed in the middle. Big game when it was needed. 9
GARETH BALE: Was able to turn nothing balls into Bosnian worry although did have to contend with the superb Besic. Couldn't get breaks and no moment of magic but didn't stop trying. So close at death. 8
SIMON CHURCH: Started well with his teammates, doing a lot of the leg work in a thankless task alone up top. Gave Bosnia's worried defence work to do without threatening before making way. 6
Re: ' Report & Players Ratings Wales v Bosnia '
Fri Oct 10, 2014 9:13 pm
All the players gave a gutsy performance but that James Chester was immense.
Re: ' Report & Players Ratings " Wales v Bosnia " '
Fri Oct 10, 2014 9:22 pm
Great result in the end, just before and just after half time we could have been punished big time! Wayne was outstanding in goal!
Re: ' Report & Players Ratings " Wales v Bosnia " '
Fri Oct 10, 2014 10:22 pm
Not bad 0-0 quite a good game, I think if we had Rambo it would have been a different story, Shame.
Re: UPDATED ' Full Report & Players Ratings " Wales v Bosnia
Fri Oct 10, 2014 11:09 pm
SKY
Wales Battle To Bosnia Draw
00:04, UK, Saturday 11 October 2014
Battling Wales are held at home
Wales were held to a goalless draw by Bosnia-Herzegovina in their Euro 2016 qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Ashley Williams wasted Wales' best chance to score late on, while Wayne Hennessey was the busier of the two goalkeepers making a number of key saves to keep out Bosnia.
The draw maintains Wales's unbeaten start to qualifying in Group B and move them to the top of the group after two games.
Wales started on the front foot and went close to scoring after just seven minutes when Chris Gunter got down the right and crossed for Bale inside the six-yard box, but Toni Sunjic got back to clear the danger.
Bosnia created their first opening on 10 minutes when they caught the Wales defence sleeping from a quickly taken free-kick and Miralem Pjanic fired in a skidding shot from 25 yards out which Hennessey did well to push out.
Wales' main threat Bale had a sight of goal on 13 minutes when he latched onto Ben Davies' superb pass and tried to lift his volley over the goalkeeper only to see it fall the wrong side of the post.
The home side continued to call the tune in the early stages and the impressive Chris Gunter got on the end of Neil Taylor's cross from the left, but volleyed his effort over the top.
Bosnia started to get more into the game the longer the half went on and Hennessey was fortunate that Vedad Ibisevic's glancing header from a corner on 32 minutes flew straight at him rather than either side of him.
Wales survived a scare right on the stroke of half-time when Bosnia had strong claims for a penalty turned down after Ibisevic went down in the box under a challenge from James Chester.
Bosnia came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second half and Hennessey denied them the opener on 50 minutes with a brilliant point-blank save from Haris Medunjanin inside the six-yard box.
Wales found themselves under the cosh and Edin Dzeko forced Hennessey into two saves in quick succession before the impressive Medunjanin saw his curling effort from the edge of the box tipped wide by the overworked Wales goalkeeper.
Bosnia continued to look the most likely to break the deadlock and Pjanic was inches away from scoring on 68 minutes when is free-kick from the edge of the box sailed just wide of the far post.
Things threatened to boil over 20 minutes from time when Chester caught Muhamed Besic with a heavy challenge sparking clashes between both sets of players and resulted in bookings for Chester, Dzeko and Wales captain Ashley Williams.
Wales should have grabbed the lead on 78 minutes when Bale picked out the unmarked Ashley Williams inside the box with a superb cross, but the big defender nodded it over the crossbar with only Asmir Begovic to beat.
Hennessey came to Wales's rescue ten minutes from time with a flying save to keep out Pjanic's swerving free-kick from 30 yards out.
Bale fashioned a chance for himself on 82 minutes when he skipped past three Bosnia defenders and fired in a right-footed shot which forced Begovic into a decent save.
Real Madrid star Bale almost created a goal out of nothing in stoppage time when he fired in a swerving shot from 30 yards out which Begovic did well to tip round the post.
From the resulting corner substitute Hal Robson-Kanu got his close-range header all wrong as both sides had to settle for a point.
Wales Battle To Bosnia Draw
00:04, UK, Saturday 11 October 2014
Battling Wales are held at home
Wales were held to a goalless draw by Bosnia-Herzegovina in their Euro 2016 qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Ashley Williams wasted Wales' best chance to score late on, while Wayne Hennessey was the busier of the two goalkeepers making a number of key saves to keep out Bosnia.
The draw maintains Wales's unbeaten start to qualifying in Group B and move them to the top of the group after two games.
Wales started on the front foot and went close to scoring after just seven minutes when Chris Gunter got down the right and crossed for Bale inside the six-yard box, but Toni Sunjic got back to clear the danger.
Bosnia created their first opening on 10 minutes when they caught the Wales defence sleeping from a quickly taken free-kick and Miralem Pjanic fired in a skidding shot from 25 yards out which Hennessey did well to push out.
Wales' main threat Bale had a sight of goal on 13 minutes when he latched onto Ben Davies' superb pass and tried to lift his volley over the goalkeeper only to see it fall the wrong side of the post.
The home side continued to call the tune in the early stages and the impressive Chris Gunter got on the end of Neil Taylor's cross from the left, but volleyed his effort over the top.
Bosnia started to get more into the game the longer the half went on and Hennessey was fortunate that Vedad Ibisevic's glancing header from a corner on 32 minutes flew straight at him rather than either side of him.
Wales survived a scare right on the stroke of half-time when Bosnia had strong claims for a penalty turned down after Ibisevic went down in the box under a challenge from James Chester.
Bosnia came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second half and Hennessey denied them the opener on 50 minutes with a brilliant point-blank save from Haris Medunjanin inside the six-yard box.
Wales found themselves under the cosh and Edin Dzeko forced Hennessey into two saves in quick succession before the impressive Medunjanin saw his curling effort from the edge of the box tipped wide by the overworked Wales goalkeeper.
Bosnia continued to look the most likely to break the deadlock and Pjanic was inches away from scoring on 68 minutes when is free-kick from the edge of the box sailed just wide of the far post.
Things threatened to boil over 20 minutes from time when Chester caught Muhamed Besic with a heavy challenge sparking clashes between both sets of players and resulted in bookings for Chester, Dzeko and Wales captain Ashley Williams.
Wales should have grabbed the lead on 78 minutes when Bale picked out the unmarked Ashley Williams inside the box with a superb cross, but the big defender nodded it over the crossbar with only Asmir Begovic to beat.
Hennessey came to Wales's rescue ten minutes from time with a flying save to keep out Pjanic's swerving free-kick from 30 yards out.
Bale fashioned a chance for himself on 82 minutes when he skipped past three Bosnia defenders and fired in a right-footed shot which forced Begovic into a decent save.
Real Madrid star Bale almost created a goal out of nothing in stoppage time when he fired in a swerving shot from 30 yards out which Begovic did well to tip round the post.
From the resulting corner substitute Hal Robson-Kanu got his close-range header all wrong as both sides had to settle for a point.