Džeko Inspires Bosnia and Herzegovina to World Cup Play-Off Final Victory

Edin Džeko played a decisive role as Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced to the next stage of the World Cup play-offs following a dramatic victory over Wales.

The visitors were forced to dig deep after falling behind early in the second half, when Dan James fired Wales into the lead in the 51st minute. Bosnia and Herzegovina, with both Džeko and Nikola Katić in the starting line-up, faced an uphill battle and spent much of the contest chasing the game.

Their persistence paid off late on, as Džeko rose highest to head home an equaliser from a corner in the 86th minute, sending the tie into extra time.

With neither side able to find a winner during the additional period, the match was ultimately decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Wales converted their first two spot-kicks through Harry Wilson and Mark Harris, but their advantage slipped away when Brennan Johnson fired his effort over the bar and Neco Williams saw his penalty saved by Bosnia and Herzegovina goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj.

Although Ermedin Demirović missed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s opening penalty, the visitors held their nerve as Haris Tabaković, Ivan Bašić, Amir Hadžiahmetović and Kerim Alajbegović all converted their attempts to secure victory.

The result sets up a decisive play-off final against Italy on 31 March, with a place at the World Cup at stake.

Nikola Katić completed the full match, while Džeko was substituted at the start of extra time. Despite being off the pitch, the veteran forward was shown a yellow card from the bench in the 111th minute.

Wallentowitz Makes Germany U19 Debut in Draw with Sweden

Elsewhere, Mika Wallentowitz made his debut for Germany Under-19s in a 2–2 draw against Sweden in a European Championship qualifier in Dreieich.

Wallentowitz was introduced in the 72nd minute, replacing Adin Ličina, as Germany fought to secure a point.

Otto Stange had given Germany the lead in the 36th minute, but Sweden responded through Adrian Lahdo shortly after the hour mark. Montrell Culbreath restored Germany’s advantage in the 80th minute, only for Yannick Geiger to equalise deep into stoppage time.

Germany will now face Greece on Saturday in their second fixture of the international break, as they continue their qualification campaign.