News - Wales Defeated in Sarajevo
Posted: 18 November 2009
Wales tasted defeat for the first time in the current UEFA Under 21 competition in Sarajevo this afternoon, being defeated 2-1 by Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Wales started well enough with a headed goal from Swansea's Joe Allen after just five minutes, following a throw-in on the right from Adam Matthews that was flicked on to Joe to score.
On a heavy pitch, the Wales lads found the passing game difficult and so the match became a series of long balls, bypassing the midfield.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina's secret weapon was their No.10, Anes Haordic, who had not featured in their earlier matches.
He gave the Welsh defence a torrid time with some neat footwork and an eye for goal. It was he who brought the sides level on the half hour.
From then on Wales was always on the back-foot and looked happy to go-in at half time all square.
Wales introduced Ashley Richards for Adam Matthews in the second half, Matthews having received a minor groin strain on the heavy pitch.
Bosnia-Herzegovina continued where they had left off in the first half and soon were running the play, with Wales showing no ability to stamp control on the game.
Just before an hour's play, Shaun MacDonald was introduced to win a record-breaking 22nd Under 21 cap. He has missed-out on starting the game, having suffered a 'dead-leg' injury at Yeovil.
His craft down the left hand side gave the side a better balance as he replaced Sam Vokes. Chances started to come the way of Wales again, but then BH were awarded a penalty after Darcy Blake brought Haurdic down in the penalty area.
The shot was saved by Chris Maxwell, going low to his left, but Haurdic had the last laugh when he scored on 66 minutes to take the lead.
Wales threw everything at BH and had a shot cleared off the line, as well as hitting the cross-bar, but time was running-out and BH were able to hang-on to record their first victory of the tournament.
The defeat dents the chances of Wales taking top spot, though second spot in the group should also qualify for a play-off place.
All-in-all a dissapointing performance and result. Let's hope the tem will be ready for the final two matches next September in Hungary and Italy.
