Bale to ensure early Bosnia goal won’t stop Wales reaching Euros
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Wales require just a point to seal their place at Euro 2016 and can draw inspiration from Northern Ireland’s historic qualification only days before they take on Bosnia in Zenica.
Welsh champagne was on ice at the Millennium Stadium last time around, where a gritty performance from an Israel side vying for at least a play-off spot themselves, ensured the bubbly remained corked for a while longer after a 0-0 stalemate.
With a home banker against Group B whipping boys Andorra to follow, Welsh manager Chris Coleman will not be sweating over sealing the deal, but as he has reiterated ahead of this trip to Bosnia, he wants the job finished.
That is unlikely to be straightforward against a Bosnian outfit that still have eyes on third spot in the group and are blessed with talents such as current Roma stars Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic.
The match odds reflect this, with Bosnia odds-on at 19/20 to get the win, the draw is 12/5, while Wales are deemed 10/3 outsiders by Ladbrokes.
The countries played out a 0-0 draw in Cardiff on matchday one, and given the a similar result would suffice again for Wales, the 12/5 about the draw certainly appeals.
It could be that Wales are forced to come from behind to achieve history though. Bosnia have taken the lead in four of their eight games and all of those have arrived before the break.
Meanwhile, of the six goals Wales have bagged away from home in Group B, five have been netted after the break.
With seven to his name, the most goals by an individual in Group B, Dzeko represents great value to open the scoring at 7/2 and to utilise Ladbrokes’ famed Sharp Shooter offer*.
But as he’s done in qualifying four times already, Welsh national treasure Gareth Bale having the last say in the game at 5/1, looks like an equally shrewd investment.
Ladbrokes are also enhancing the price on Bale to score as part of a Welsh triumph from 11/2, out to 7/1.
*Place a First Player To Score bet in any English or Scottish league or cup match, or European matches involving British teams which is broadcast live on TV and if your winning First Goalscorer nets in the first 25 minutes, Ladbrokes will double the odds for stakes up to £/€25. Click here for full T’s & C’s.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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