Wales played out a goalless draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cardiff this evening to maintain their unbeaten start to qualifying for Euro 2016.
Following an evenly matched first half the visitors upped the ante in search of an opening goal, and they came close to finding one through Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko's efforts.
The Dragons had chances of their own, though, most notably the one created by Gareth Bale late on which forced Asmir Begovic into making a fine save down low.
In the end neither side could break each other down, with the spoils being shared.
Relive Sports Mole's live text coverage of the absorbing 90 minutes in South Wales below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text commentary of the Euro 2016 qualifier between Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Cardiff. The Dragons come into this game looking to extend their winning start in Group B following their narrow victory over Andorra last month, while the visitors will be hoping to register their first points of the campaign after a disappointing defeat in their opening game against Cyprus.
It's a big night for Wales as they look to move six points ahead of Bosnia in the race for qualification. Victory tonight will put Chris Coleman's men in the driving seat, although they come up against a side ranked 25th in the world boasting some of the world's finest players.
As things stand in Group B, Wales lead the way courtesy of that slender victory over Andorra in the Pyrenees last month, a win which has given supporters of the Dragons a real lift. Around 30,000 supporters are expected in the Welsh capital this evening, making this the national side's biggest attendance since 2011, and highest ever at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Of course, the top two sides from each group automatically progress through to the Euro 2016 finals in France, while the those who finish in third will enter a playoff. It means that there is real hope among supporters of Wales, who have their best chance yet of ending 56 years of hurt.
The men with the weight of a nation on their shoulders...
Well the team news has just filtered through, so let's take a look at how these two sides line up this evening.
TEAM NEWS!
WALES STARTING XI: Hennessey; Gunter, A Williams, Chester, Davies, Taylor; Ledley, King, J Williams; Bale, Church
The big news for Wales then is that Gareth Bale starts, which is a huge relief for the hosts who have been hit by numerous injury problems yet again. As many as 10 players pulled out of the squad in the build up to this game, with the Dragons particularly light in midfield. Joe Ledley, Andy King and Jonny Williams are tasked with filling in, while Coleman has opted to stick with five at the back.
As one of those in the away end in Andorra this time last month, I can tell you that there was more than a few groans among supporters when Coleman opted to field five men at the back. That's on paper, at least, with the two wing-backs tasked with pushing into midfield and providing the width. The only player to shine on that potentially fateful night in Andorra La Vella was the world's most expensive player Gareth Bale, who will be tasked with firing the goals for his country once more tonight.
All-in-all it's two changes for Wales from the side that struggled to get the better of the European minnows last time out, with key men Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen missing out. They may have 10 players missing, but in truth the most important player is Bale, who comes into this game in relentless form at international level.
BOSNIA STARTING XI: Begovic; Mujdza, Hadzic, Sunjic, Lulic; Susic, Besic, Medunjanin; Pjanic; Dzeko, Ibisevic
The visitors have had injury problems of their own coming into this one. Asmir Begovic starts between the sticks for the Dragons, while star man Edin Dzeko captains the side. His goals will prove vital in this campaign, and only Robin van Persie finished behind the Manchester City striker in the goalscoring charts for the 2010 World Cup. He may go under the radar slightly for his club, but make no mistake about it, Dzeko is among the most clinical finishers in the business.
Everton midfielder Muhamed Besic was touted with a starting spot in central defence due to injury problems - Bosnia have just two fit centre-backs for tonight's game - although judging by the formations it looks as though he is in his more familiar defensive midfield position. Senad Lulic of Lazio has been deemed fit enough to fit in at left back, while Emir Spahic misses out through injury.
Elsewhere, Sead Kolasinac, Ermin Biackcic and Sejid Salihovic all miss out against an equally bereft Wales side. Although as mentioned, and much like Bale with the hosts, Bosnia's most important player is fit and indeed firing heading into tonight's game. Pjanic, a key player for Roma in recent times, also starts along with the equally proficient Ibisevic. Looking at the squad, even with all these injury issues, it is easy to see why Bosnia are ranked inside the top 25 teams in the world.
A near sell-out is expected at the Cardiff City Stadium tonight, which includes a healthy away following. It should be a cracker between two sides eyeing a place at Euro 2016.
BENCH WATCH!
WALES SUBS: O.F. Williams, Letheren, D. Edwards, Robson-Kanu, Cotterill, Gabbidon, Ricketts, Lawrence, G. Edwards, J. Taylor, G. Williams
BOSNIA SUBS: Fejzic, Dujkovic, Vrsajevic, Vranjes, Cimirot, Prcic, Visca, Hajrovic, Kvesic
Hal Robson-Kanu has recovered from injury but has yet to regain full fitness for Wales, while George Williams will be looking to make an equally-as-impressive impact as he did against Andorra when brought on from the bench in his side's last outing. The Dragson certainly don't lack experience among their back-ups, either, with Danny Gabbidon returning to playing duties this evening following his temporary stint as joint-caretaker manager of Cardiff City.
Well I mentioned a little earlier how Dzeko has the knack to score goals in each game that he plays, well that is in fact true for the whole of this Bosnia side. In fact, only one other side scored more goals in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, a competition in which Safet Susic's side played a part in in Brazil this summer.
That said, they were arguably the weakest of the top seeds available in February's draw, although the dynamic of Group B was soon balanced out by the strongest of the second seeds being selected in Belgium. It sets up an intriguing encounter between the three favourites, in a group completed by Cyprus, Israel and minnows Andorra. That is not to say that those three should be ruled out completely, of course, although Wales really will kick themselves should they fail to finish in the top three at the very least.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS: This is the first ever competitive meeting between these two sides, although they have met on two occasions in the past. Most recently Bosnia beat Wales 2-0 in a low-key friendly in Llanelli, in a game which saw the scoreline flatter the home side. Before that, back in 2003 in fact, the Group B top seeds held the Red Dragons to a 2-2 draw. That was seen a shock result back at the time due to the form the British side were in, although I'm sure the majority of Welsh fans will take a similar outcome tonight if you offered it to them.
It's difficult to read anything from this official team sheet, but what we do know is that Wales will have five men at the back this evening in some form or another. Bosnia opt for a 4-3-1-2 set-up with Pjanic roaming behind Ibisevic and Dzeko.
Coming into this game a lot of the talk has been about Wales finally putting to bed their qualification hoodoo. Not since way back in 1958 have the Welsh reached a major finals, with their claim to fame in that tournament being that a certain Edison Arantes do Nascimento - or just 'Pele' to you and me - made his international debut for Brazil.
Dragons boss Chris Coleman did not play down the ability of his side, anything but in fact, insisting that this current team have the ability to become a true Golden Generation of stars. Captain Ashley Williams, too, has admitted that Wales simply have to deliver this time around. The time for talking is over. This really is a huge night in the exciting-looking future of Welsh football.
PREDICTION! Well I've built up both sides, although in truth you have to say that as things stand Bosnia boast the better side. That said, one side has the world's most expensive player among their ranks, and as witnessed the last time Wales played here on a wet and windy night, Bale bagged two goals to secure victory against Scotland. Expect more of the same tonight as the 'Gales Galactico' rescues a 1-1 draw for Coleman's men.
The Bosnia-Herzegovina anthem is complete, and now it's time for 30,000 or so Wales supporters to blare out their own. This increased attendance - and indeed atmosphere - will surely only boost the performance of each and every player on the field?
KICKOFF! Here we go then, as Wales get us underway at the Cardiff City Stadium. So much on the line this evening for both sides as Group B gets into full swing.
Great atmosphere as expected, boosted by the healthy away following. A positive start from Wales who look to find Gunter down the right, although nothing comes of the attack. Nonetheless that tells us more about the formation - three at the back, five in midfield when pressing; five at the back, three in midfield when defending.
Will that run come to an end this evening?
Besic gives away a sloppy pass in midfield, although Wales fail to capitalise on the break as Church concedes a free kick. The hosts just looking to keep it nice an compact in the middle at the moment, springing forward when they win possession.
SHOT! A first corner of the night is won by Wales, yet Williams fails to beat the first man at the near post. Moments later the Dragons worked the ball out wide once more, and Gunter's ball made it through to Bale whose first-time effort was well blocked.
A second corner swung into the back following that block on Bale's shot comes to nothing, as Ashley Williams heads over. Good, positive start this from Coleman's men.
SAVE! Wales looking to win the ball back quickly when they lose it, and it's working well for them so far. Yet Hennessey had to be on guard to keep out Pjanic's long-range drive, pushing it away from danger following an awkward bounce in front of him.
Bale looking to lead a charge following a fine flicked pass, although Church was unable to return the favour. Wales' constantly looking to come down this right-hand side.
CHANCE! So unlucky from the world's most expensive player who looks to lob the ball over Begovic from a few yards inside the area. Most players would have attempted to bring down that searching long ball, but not Bale who instead hit it first time, failing to find the target. Unlucky.
Chester does well at the back to win a free kick following Susic's challenge, getting to the ball before the visiting midfielder. He's done well to fit in alongside Williams since recently linking up with the national side.
YELLOW CARD! The first caution of the evening is shown to Hadzic, who cynically brought down a charging Chris Gunter. I mentioned how Wales are looking to attack down that right, and he will need to be extra careful now. Bale swung the resulting ball into the box with some real venom, but credit to Bosnia who managed to deal with the danger.
What Wales supporters would give for goal number 12 tonight...
Dzeko looks to run in behind the home side's backline, but the ball into his path is slightly over hit and runs out of play. He's been quiet in the opening 20 minutes or so, though we can surely expect that to change as the game progresses.
CHANCE! By no means an easy chance for Gunter, but the wing-back will be disappointed not to have tested Begovic with this effort from inside the area. A ball in from the left was met by the Reading man, but his volley ended narrowly over the bar. He's been the Dragons' liveliest player so far tonight.
Great tracking back from Ledley, who halts Besic's burst forward. Bosnia have not really got into this game as of yet, although they have enjoyed a fair share of the ball in the last couple of minutes.
Wales living dangerously for the first time in the game, as Pjanic finds some space down the right before squaring the ball across the edge of the box for Medunjanin, although the hosts manage to prevent the midfielder getting an effort away at goal.
SHOT! Safet Susic's charges have stepped it up in the last five minutes, and it is they who are asking all of the questions now. Pjanic again involved as he looks to take range from just outside the box, although he fails to find the target.
Church drifts out to the right, and his scuffed cross very nearly finds Bale, but the Real Madrid man couldn't quite get his foot on it. That's the first time Wales have pushed forward in a while.
SAVE! A long ball over the top almost landed in the path of Susic, if not for the intervention of Chester who was tracking back to flick the ball out for a corner. The resulting corner was met by Ibisevic, but Hennessey was equal to the striker's well-timed glancing header.
YELLOW CARD! Pjanic is the next visiting player to enter the referee's book following his challenge on Jonny Williams.
Some fantastic footwork from Williams to ease past two players draws a challenge from Pjanic, and if he hadn't just been booked that would have been a yellow card offence. He will have to be careful for the remaining 55 minutes or so.
Bale is now playing through the middle, although by his own high standards, he has been relatively quiet for the last 15 minutes. Bosnia can stick as many players on him as they like, but he will always find a way through in the end.
UPDATE: Belgium have taken a three-goal lead against Andorra, meaning that they are on course to pick up their first points of the campaign. Their opening game against Israel was called off last month, so they are playing catch up at the moment.
Davies had to be on his guard to cut out a cross into the box from the left. There's been a few testing crosses into the Wales area in this half, although they have dealt well with everything that has been asked of them at the back. Bosnia restricted to long-range attempts in large.
A worrying sign for Wales supporters as Bale holds his lower back, walking over to the touchline during a break in play to discuss something with his manager. Coleman signalled that half time is drawing near, so hopefully the Dragons' star man can hold on before receiving some treatment at the interval.
CHANCES! After much deliberating, Bosnia get a cross into the box which is not dealt with. Susic saw the ball fall nicely to his feet, although he delayed his shot and the ball was pounced on to end the danger. Moments later the ball came back into the area, although Dzeko failed to get enough contact on the ball with his head to take it beyond Hennessey.
HALF TIME: WALES 0-0 BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Well those two openings for Bosnia proved to be the last meaningful action of a fascinating opening 45 minutes in Cardiff. No goals so far but Wales have more than held their own, meaning that it's so far so good in terms of their qualification hopes.
UPDATE: I mentioned that Belgium lead Andorra 3-0 at half time, but elsewhere in Group B this evening Cyprus find themselves trailing 2-0 at home to Israel. It shows just how tight this group is, meaning that as things stand Wales will top the standings.
BENCH WATCH!
WALES SUBS: O.F. Williams, Letheren, D. Edwards, Robson-Kanu, Cotterill, Gabbidon, Ricketts, Lawrence, G. Edwards, J. Taylor, G. Williams
BOSNIA SUBS: Fejzic, Dujkovic, Vrsajevic, Vranjes, Cimirot, Prcic, Visca, Hajrovic, Kvesic
Hal Robson-Kanu and George Williams provide Wales's best attacking options from the bench. The latter in particular impressed when coming on against Andorra, and he really helped push his side on to find the winner. Robson-Kanu is still not fully fit, meanwhile, although he will no doubt be itching to get at least 30 minutes under his belt this evening.
All to play for then heading into this second half, between two sides battling for a top-two spot in Group B. No substitutes at the break - meaning that Bale remains on the field - as we prepare to get underway once more.
SECOND HALF! Bosnia resume proceedings in Cardiff, instantly looking to increase the tempo from the off.
He will need to be on his game in the second 45 minutes, also...
Wales win a free kick a long way from goal, although instead of opting to get the ball into the box, Bale strikes for goal. The attempt was a fair way off testing Begovic, though, who Bale has failed to score against in his previous six meetings with the stopper.
CHANCES! Jonny Williams is given space to run into, although having failed to play Church in the Ipswich Town loanee had a shot of his own which he did not strike with great conviction. That came just moments after a superb cross from Susic caused real danger inside the opposition box, with Medunjanin failing to convert from close range.
SHOT! Dzeko is the latest player to get a shot in at goal which Hennessey does well to get behind. This game has well and truly opened up in the early stages of this second half. Bosnia are not here for just a point.
SAVE! Dzeko again forces Hennessey into action, and this time the Wales stopper needed to use every inch of his frame, getting fingertips on the Man City striker's header effort to push the ball out of play. Wales holding on at the moment!
SAVE! Medujanin fires a shot in from range, which Hennessey pushes away, although the ball lands into the path of Ibisevic and Susic. Neither could latch onto the rebound inside the box, though, getting in each other's way as the chance went begging. A change may be needed from Coleman, because a Bosnia goal is surely coming.
YELLOW CARD! Taylor becomes the first home player to be shown a yellow card following a challenge on Mujdza.
Bosnia are struggling to deal with Jonny Williams at the moment, with seemingly every player being forced into fouling the tricky midfielder. His burst forward allows Wales to breath a little following that sustained spell of pressure from the opposition. Williams does seem to be in a little pain on the field at the moment, though, and his night could be over.
Well the good news is that Williams doesn't require a stretcher to leave the field, but he doesn't look in a good way. Surely his evening is over?
Nonetheless play now resumes, with Bale's corner being met by Joe Ledley. The midfielder was unable to find a way through, however, and Bosnia looked to spring a counter-attack, only for a stray ball to let them down in the attacking third.
A brilliant cross into the box from Bale has just a little too much on it for any of his teammates to get on the end of. Such an inviting ball which shows that Wales are also looking to find a winner.
WALES SUB! Williams is back on the field incredibly, with Church the man to leave the action in place of Robson-Kanu.
James Chester handles the ball a few yards outside his own area, meaning that the visiting side have a free kick in a dangerous position. Pjanic is the man over the ball as Wales supporters hold their breath...
CLOSE! For a moment then I thought that was heading for the top corner. Pjanic struck the free kick almost perfectly with Hennessey scrambling across, although the ball had a little too much spin on it which took it narrowly wide.
YELLOW CARDS! Things boiling over a little now as Chester is shown a yellow card for his heavy tackle on Besic. The Bosnians quickly surrounded the referee calling for a red, which angered a few of the Wales players. Following the fracas, the two captains - Ashley Williams and Dzeko - were also cautioned. How's that for peacemaking?!
Robson-Kanu has battled away since coming on in a defensive sense, but Wales need to release him forward. His fresh legs will cause danger on the left and in turn give Bale some additional space to move into.
A little over 10 minutes remaining in Cardiff then, with the game still delicately poised at the moment. A goal now could prove crucial in 12 months' time when the group is rounded off. Things have gone quiet in the last 10 minutes in terms of chances; could that be a sign that both sides are happy with a point?
CHANCE! Susic brings down Robson-Kanu, which gifts Bale another chance to whip in a ball into the box. Williams meets the ball just a few yards from goal, but he incredibly heads over. The Wales captain got under the ball and failed to guide it goalwards. What a chance. What a miss.
Wales pushing on in search of a winner as Ledley looks to thread a ball through to Williams. The pass had a little too much pace on it, however, allowing Begovic to collect.
SAVE! Wonderful save from Hennessey! Pjanic is given another chance to fire in a free kick from a few yards outside the area, this time finding the target where the Wales stopper was waiting to push it away.
SAVE! To answer one of my previous questions, neither side wants to settle for a point right now. Bale makes light work of some tracking Bosnia defenders to get a shot away at goal, forcing Begovic into a save down low.
SUBS: Ibisevic leaves the field in place of Izet Hajrovic, while George Williams replaces Jonny Williams. I mentioned the impact he had in Andorra a month back, can he do the same tonight?
Williams instantly looks to get at Mujdza, knocking the ball beyond his opponent, but failing to get the better of the full-back. More of that is needed in these final five minutes.
PENALTY APPEAL! Big shout for a Wales pen as for the first time tonight Bale uses his pace to ease past two opposition players. Having cut in from the right-hand side, he was brought down in the box following some contact, although the referee failed to point to the spot. Big call that, which in fairness the ref probably got right.
SHOT! Wales are getting closer and closer to finding a late winner. Robson-Kanu this time the man to shoot from distance, and his deflected effort ended narrowly wide of the target. Two minutes remaining in Cardiff.
Such a tough decision for Coleman to make right now - stick or twist? A point is a good, solid result against a Bosnia side ranked in the top 25 in the world. That said, a goal now and they will move six points ahead of their opponents in the table. A huge final few minutes await.
Four minutes have been added on as the atmosphere increases another notch. This has been an absorbing battle, despite what the scoreline may suggest, which is still not over quite yet.
Possession in the Wales half at the moment. Bosnia not exactly in a rush to get the ball forward, looking instead to carefully pick off their opponents.
SAVE! So, so close from Bale. What a strike that was! The Real Madrid star unleashed an effort from a tough angle on the left, forcing Begovic to get down and turn the ball away. The resulting corner was met by Robson-Kanu at the front post, although he failed to guide the ball goalwards.
Full Time: Wales 0-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Time is officially up at the Cardiff City Stadium as the referee brings to an end what was an absorbing clash. Bosnia really upped the ante in the early stages of the second half, although Wales forced Begovic into making a couple of terrific stops.
In truth it could have gone either way, with Bosnia too looking lively. A draw is not a terrible result for either side, and it leaves Wales at the Top of Group B following two games. There's still a long way to go of course, but unlike this evening a win is a must against Cyprus on Monday night.
Well that's all from me for this evening, but stick around on Sports Mole as we bring you all the latest reaction following this entertaining goalless draw in South Wales.
