World Cup qualifiers: Wales will ‘take anyone’ in play-off draw

Bosnia and Herzegovina Wales lost only once in the qualifiers, earning one more point than Wales managed in their eight matches, but finished the tournament two points behind Group H winners Austria.

They were 13 minutes away from securing a place in the World Cup, but Michael Gregoritsch’s equalizer for the Austrians ensured the pair tied in the final match of the qualifiers and Ralf Rangnick’s side went top of the group.

Wales failed to beat the Bosnians in four attempts, but suffered a memorable defeat to Zmajevi – the Dragon – as they qualified for Euro 2016 under Chris Coleman despite losing.

As his country’s all-time top scorer and most capped player, former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, who now plays for Fiorentina, is undoubtedly Bosnia and Herzegovina’s standout player.

The 39-year-old was his team’s top scorer in the qualifiers with five goals.

Finally, we have Republic of Ireland.

After picking up just one point from their first three qualifying matches, Hemir Hallgrimsson’s side advanced to the play-offs after successive victories over Armenia, Portugal and Hungary.

Troy Parrott scored both goals against Euro 2016 winners Portugal before scoring a hat-trick – the third coming in the 96th minute – as the Irish stunned Hungary to finish second in Group F in dramatic fashion.

Talisman Seamus Coleman played a vital role in his side’s comeback, while Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher made the number one shirt his own.

The Republic of Ireland are winless in their past four meetings with Wales, losing three of them, although James McLean broke the Red Wall’s hearts as Martin O’Neill’s men won a crucial World Cup qualifier at Cardiff City in 2017.