Wales ended a 57-year wait to qualify for a major tournament, despite a 2-0 defeat in Bosnia which kept alive the Balkan nations hopes of joining them at the Euro 2016 finals.
The result left the Welsh second in Group B on 18 points from nine games, two behind Belgium who won 4-1 against Andorra to also qualify, and four ahead of third-placed Bosnia. Israels 2-1 defeat at home to Cyprus left them on 13 points and meant the Welsh could not be caught in the race for an automatic place at the finals in France next year. After the match, Wales coach Chris Coleman was delighted to hear the news that Israel had lost to Cyprus.
Tonight you know we, to be fair to the lads, we got into some great situations and we never really capitalised on it. They are always a threat, Bosnia, even without Džeko or Bešić, they are always a threat, and the atmosphere here is very hostile and you know they really get behind the players, said Coleman at the post-match news conference.
Once the second one goes in then its game over so its like, here we go. But obviously when I was walking off I saw our supporters, they were singing and then our secretary Mark Evans whispered in my ear that Israel had lost so game on, after that its all smiles, Coleman added.
Coleman admitted that he had felt pressure leading up to Wales qualifying. There are so many people I need to thank and we probably havent got time for it but its been a huge effort from everyone. I need to thank my lovely wife and my children who will be watching at home who of course have been fantastic and supported me. Because unless youve been in this situation where the pressures on, and Ive never felt pressure like it if Im honest with you, certainly the last three or four games where weve been at the top of the league and then you need good people around you and thankfully Ive had that, Coleman said.
The Welsh, who celebrated with several hundred travelling fans, host bottom team Andorra in their final match while Bosnia will seal a playoff berth if they beat Cyprus on 13 October.
