Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina LIVE: Team information and updates forward of World Cup play-off semi-final

They are ranked 71st in the world (36 places below Wales). Edin Dzeko, with 146 caps and 72 goals in his back pocket, is their captain, aged 40.

Their most recent fixture was a 1-1 draw in Vienna in November, when an away win would have seen the Bosnians qualify. Austria equalised with 13 minutes to go, sealing their place in the US.

Elsewhere tonight, the Republic of Ireland travel to the Czech Republic tonight in their play-off semi-final, with the winner hosting Denmark or North Macedonia on Tuesday.

Here’s our Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney with a video preview of tonight’s clash, as the Irish hunt another memorable away-day.

“It can drag us over the line. That was shown in the last play-offs when we got to the World Cup,” he said.

“We know games are going to be difficult, and the fans are the 12th man. No matter what happens, they’re right behind us. It gives you confidence – you might run that little bit further without even thinking about it because they push you on.

“It’s so exciting to play in front of the Red Wall. A lot of people know that. So for us, having that home advantage is massive – but it’s only massive if we use it and take advantage of it.”

Should Wales progress tonight, they will host either Italy or Northern Ireland (who face-off in Bergamo this evening) on Tuesday night at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Excruciatingly, the losers of both ties will also face off, in what would amount to a friendly nobody wants to play.

“We’re going all out, we’ve got to go full gas. We want 100mph football. It might not be perfect. That’s what I love about our game.

“We ain’t sitting back. You might look at me after the game, maybe I need to change. We’ll deal with that question then, but this is us. This is who I am. This is what the players are. So why not?

“But this is what I like and I hope the fans like it.”

Four years ago, Wales qualified for their first World Cup in 64 years with two nervy one-goal victories in Cardiff, spurred on by their bombastic ‘Red Wall’ support. Now, the Dragons are chasing their second Finals appearance in three-and-a-half years and, once again, have been gifted home advantage in, potentially, both play-off contests. Deja vu, much?

An engrossing showdown next Tuesday, most likely against four-time world champions Italy, would await Craig Bellamy’s men if they can see off the threat of Bosnia and Herzegovina and their talismanic 40-year-old captain Edin Dzeko, with 146 caps and 72 goals in his back pocket, on Thursday night.

Full preview below:

Wales enjoyed a positive qualifying campaign, but two defeats against Belgium were costly.

However, Craig Bellamy’s side secured a higher seed in the play-offs by finishing second, above North Macedonia, after a 7-1 win in their final match.

Wales are without key squad members such as Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, Kieffer Moore and Connor Roberts due to injury, but Harry Wilson has been declared fit. Captain Aaron Ramsey did not make the squad, having not played competitively since September.

Bosnia were dealt a blow with Sampdoria defender Dennis Hadzikadunic’s withdrawal from the squad, but Dzeko is set to lead the line with 146 caps and 72 goals in his back pocket.

Good evening Welsh fans – are we sitting comfortably?

Craig Bellamy’s side had to settle for a runner-up spot in their qualifying group, with Belgium taking the automatic place, but the Welsh will be full of confidence after thrashing North Macedonia 7-1 in November. Wales are looking to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup, after their group-stage exit in Qatar.

As for Bosnia, they were denied a top-place finish in their group with Austria’s equaliser 13 minutes from time in their final group clash. They have only qualified for the World Cup once in their history, winning one game at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Edin Dzeko, aged 40, is their captain.

The winner of Thursday’s match – which will go to extra-time and penalties if necessary – will host either Italy or Northern Ireland on Tuesday, 31 March for the right to play in the showpiece event this summer.

A big night ahead!