Wales preserve unbeaten run

Wales 2-2 Bosnia-Herzegovina
Wales made history in Cardiff tonight as a home draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina took their unbeaten run to nine games, the best record in their 127-year history.

Unbeaten record
Wales's impressive form has included an impressive start to their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying campaign, the highlight of which has been a 2-1 home win against Italy.

Wales shocked
The Welsh began brightly at the Millennium Stadium and forced a string of corners in the opening minutes, but were unable to take advantage. Indeed, Wales nearly fell behind after only two minutes as Verdin Music burst through the midfield before firing just wide, but it was 1-0 to the away side three minutes later, as Elvir Baljic opened the scoring with a low shot into the corner of the net.

Instant response
The home side bounced back almost immediately though as Craig Bellamy’s cross found John Hartson in the penalty area, and his presence created a chance for Robert Earnshaw, who made no mistake from 18 metres.

Further chances
Bosnia continued to threaten however, and Wales goalkeeper Darren Ward was forced to make several good saves. Yet the home side did create chances of their own, with Earnshaw, of Cardiff City AFC, in particular causing problems for the visitors’ defence. 

Bosnia regain the lead
The home side made several changes, which included the introduction of Matthew Jones for his first international game for more than a year because of injury. That handed the initiative to the visitors and Bosnia regained the lead after 64 minutes when Sergei Barbarez headed in a Baljic cross. However, Wales drew level again ten minutes later, with Hartson working himself some space before shooting low into the corner of the net.

Qualifying progress
Wales are currently top of EURO 2004™ Group 9 with a maximum nine points from three games so far, and next play bottom-placed Azerbaijan in Cardiff on 29 March.