Wales duo backed to return stronger after penalty agony in World Cup play-off shootout loss | OneFootball

Wales' World Cup play-off hopes were dashed in a penalty shoot-out on Thursday night, but Daniel James quickly absolved Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams of blame for their decisive misses.

The Leeds winger, who endured his own penalty heartbreak in the Euro 2024 play-off final two years ago, understood his teammates' crushing burden.

Wales drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Dzeko heading home an 86th-minute equaliser to force extra time. In the shoot-out, Karl Darlow saved Bosnia’s first attempt, but Johnson blazed his effort over, and Nikola Vasilj denied Williams. Bosnia ultimately won 4-2 on penalties.

James, who had fired Wales ahead with a superb long-range strike, said: "It’s a horrible moment. I’ve been there before and you feel like all of the weight is on you and that you have let your country down. But they haven’t at all and they have been absolutely unbelievable for us.

“Five people have to go and take a pen and it’s credit to them to take the ball and put it on the spot. It’s not always meant to be. But they will definitely be stronger for it. They are great lads and great players and we wouldn’t be without those boys here."

open image in gallery

Neco Williams was one of two Wales players to miss a penalty in the shootout (PA Wire)

Johnson was in tears after his miss. James said: "All the boys have got round him. We’re a team and no-one blames anyone.

“This is football. It’s tough to take and for it to sink in, but they’re incredible people and will be stronger for it."

Manager Craig Bellamy acknowledged "we’re going to hurt”, but insisted his side had a "bright future."

James highlighted the national side's progress: "Anyone watching, be it Wales fans or people around the world, will see how far we’ve come. The football has been great and to qualify for Group A of the Nations League was massive.

“We want to be amongst these teams and playing them, and to have a home Euros is unbelievable. We’ve got so much to look forward to and we’ll do that.

open image in gallery

Daniel James insisted Johnson and Williams are not to blame for Wales’ exit (PA Wire)

“We always speak about ‘Together Stronger’ and that’s what we are. It’s an absolute pleasure to play for this team. We’ll dust ourselves down and go again."

With Uefa rules mandating teams play twice during the international break, Wales must now meet fellow beaten play-off semi-finalists Northern Ireland in Cardiff on Tuesday.

Northern Ireland were beaten 2-0 in Italy as their own World Cup dream died. Bosnia will host Italy for a place at this summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.