Superb saves but costly misses – Wales players rated as World Cup dream ends

Wales’ bid to reach the 2026 World Cup was denied in cruel fashion as they lost their qualifying play-off semi-final to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties.

BBC Sport Wales’ Chris Wathan assesses how the players performed on Thursday – and you can see how BBC Sport readers rated them at the bottom of the page.

Starting XI

Karl Darlow: Superb. A quite astonishing save to deny a Ermedin Demirovic header- a one-handed stop Neville Southall would have been proud of – and then denied the same man in the shoot-out. Didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. 8

Jay Dasilva: Passing wasn’t always on point but the diminutive full-back delivered some pretty big headers and blocks. Looked sound defensively without adding real attacking edge. 7

Dylan Lawlor: Went toe-to-toe with a player twice his age in Edin Dzeko but was not daunted by the challenge. One or two uncomfortable moments but never shied from taking the ball or winning battles. 7

Joe Rodon: Some rare switches off from the Leeds centre-back who looked increasingly edgy as the night wore on and the tension grew. 6

Neco Williams: A night that asked more of his defensive qualities than those pushing forward. Had held his own in the main but was the man shrugged off by Dzeko for the equaliser and then a poor penalty was costly. 6

Ethan Ampadu: The skipper slotted in to shield the backline. Influential on the ball to begin with but dropped deeper as midfield lost shape, though did add some much-needed composure in extra time. 7

Jordan James: Returned to the starting line-up and was snapping at Bosnian heels from the first minutes to help set a tone. Runs behind helped add an extra dimension to attacking options before injury ended his night prematurely. 7

Brennan Johnson: Perhaps most significant contributions came defensively as he typified Wales’ application off the ball, but didn’t threaten and a missed penalty hurt. 6

David Brooks: Oozed class from the off. Gliding runs and clever passes did more than most to probe an opening, but also showed gritty side as he stood up to physicality of visitors. Standing ovation for his 75th minute departure told a story. 8

Dan James: Always looked capable of hurting Bosnia and did just that with a strike that will live long in the Cardiff City Stadium memory. Wales were not the same after he went off. 8

Harry Wilson: Clearly targeted by Bosnia – and for good reason given his quality, displayed with a brilliant early effort that clipped the woodwork. Became frustrated and couldn’t quite find the killer moment. 7

Substitutes

Liam Cullen: Replaced the limping Jordan James shortly after the goal, booked for rash challenge and didn’t make most of his opportunities. 6

Mark Harris: Came on for Brooks for the final 15 and occupied defenders’ minds with game running but didn’t threaten. Took penalty well but could he have gambled to meet late extra-time chance. 6

Sorba Thomas: Replaced James in final minutes of normal time and did prove useful outlet in extra time. 7