Almost there: One point stands between Wales and Euros

Side travel to Bosnia needing just a draw to reach tournament for the first time


Afp October 10, 2015
Side travel to Bosnia needing just a draw to reach tournament for the first time. PHOTO: REUTERS

ZENICA:


Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale says he is fit and raring to go as Wales look to end their 57-year wait to qualify for a major tournament by booking a place at Euro 2016.


Chris Coleman’s side head into their last two Group B qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday and at home to Andorra on October 13 knowing they need just one point to guarantee their berth at an elite event for the first time since the 1958 World Cup.

Wales, who have never appeared at the European Championships, will be able to start planning their trip to France for next year’s finals if they beat or draw with Bosnia and they could even make it with a defeat, if third placed Israel lose or draw against Cyprus.

After the frustration of failing to seal qualification in a nervous draw against Israel last month, Coleman’s unbeaten group leaders have a second chance to make history when they head to the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica.

“We have been working hard for many years to be in this position,” said Bale. “We have all been playing with each other for six to eight years. The manager has come in and been amazing.”

Wales defender Chris Gunter can’t wait to savour the feeling of making history for his country. “We’re not the biggest nation but we probably should have done better than we have, certainly the teams I’ve been involved in, and for Welsh fans it’s been real hard times over the years,” he said.



Fourth placed Bosnia sit two points behind Israel and must win to keep alive their hopes of qualifying.

Ireland beat world champions Germany

Germany coach Joachim Low saw his world champions humbled 1-0 by the Republic of Ireland in Euro 2016 qualifying on Thursday but blasted the home side for scoring from their “100th long ball”.

Shane Long’s 70th-minute strike gave Ireland a first competitive victory over the Germans, who still have their fate in their own hands, with a home game against Georgia to come on Sunday and only one point required to reach the finals.

“It was one of the most unnecessary defeats we have suffered in recent years,” said Low.

“It was to be expected that we would face nine or ten players behind the ball and Ireland hitting long, hopeful balls. They only had one opportunity to score.”

Martin O’Neill’s men guaranteed themselves at least a playoff spot, and have a serious chance of automatic qualification for the finals in France next summer. “I’m naturally delighted to win the game,” said O’Neill, who refused to get carried away just yet. “Unfortunately we have still a long way to go yet but it was great to beat the Germans, the world champions, considering the things we had to overcome.”

Northern Ireland qualify for first time

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill pledged that his side will “make an impact” at the Euros after securing a historic qualification for the tournament.

Captain Steven Davis scored twice as O’Neill’s men beat Greece 3-1 at Windsor Park in Belfast on Thursday to qualify for their first major championship since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, and their first ever Euros.

“We’re not just going to go to France and enjoy it,” said O’Neill, whose side have risen from 88th to 35th in the FIFA world ranking during his tenure. “We’re going to go and try to make an impact. I genuinely believe, fitness and availability willing, we can go there with a real optimism. 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2015.

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