Soccer

Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina is Best European Qualifying Game of International Break

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By @adamdclifton

Getty Images

Getty Images

Despite a full slate of European Championship Qualifying action, the best game of the weekend pits two teams that are not usually in the spotlight. In Group B action, Wales hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina in a huge game for this group. Based on the group selection, Belgium is expected to survive Group B, while these two teams will likely battle it out for the runner up spot.

Although it is relatively early in the qualifying process, the importance of a game like this must be emphasized by both teams. Wales was able to get off to a good start in qualifying by defeating Andorra. On the other hand, Bosnia and Herzegovina stumbled to a surprising defeat against Cyprus. Wales will look to capitalize on their home field advantage against a likely desperate Bosnian side.

This game may lack the star power of some of the other Euro Qualifying fixtures on the schedule, but both teams will look to their star to carry their squad. Bosnia will look to their striker Edin Dzeko to lead their attack. Dzeko is one of the most prolific strikers in the world, demonstrating his skill with the defending Barclays Premier League Champions, Manchester City. Dzeko will be hungry for goals and his teammates will be relying on him to deliver.

On the other side, there is one name that jumps off the team sheet for Wales, Gareth Bale. Bale has emerged as one of the best players on the planet, despite playing his club soccer alongside the current best player on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo. Not hiding in the shadow of Ronaldo, Bale has evolved into the type of player that can put a team on his back and carry it to victory. In fact, this is exactly what happened in the game against Andorra earlier in qualifying. Wales won 2-1 behind two goals from Bale.  Bale has been in good form for Real Madrid and his Welsh teammates will hope this continues against Bosnia.

Despite the fact that both teams rely heavily on their stars, this should be an enthralling contest. Both teams will be desperate for points in a group that should go down to the wire. This should be a very close game, especially considering the desperation the Bosnians will be feeling after their shocking defeat against Cyprus. However, look for Wales to take advantage of their home crowd and continue their winning ways in this matchup.

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