Ex-Liverpool star 'bewildered' over World Cup heartbreak and hints at future

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Wales was beaten on penalties by Bosnia-Herzegovina in a World Cup qualifier in Cardiff on Thursday; the Welsh national team is managed by former Liverpool star Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy has reacted to Wales' World Cup exit(Image: Getty Images)

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has expressed his astonishment at his side's penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, despite meticulous preparation, while maintaining that he places no faith in fortune.

Wales was attempting to qualify for consecutive World Cups but saw its dreams crushed in devastating circumstances on Thursday. Daniel James' spectacular strike gave the hosts the lead in Cardiff shortly after half-time.

The Welsh subsequently wasted numerous chances to extend their lead before former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko levelled matters with four minutes remaining. Following a cautious period of extra time, the match went to spot-kicks, which left former Liverpool star Bellamy particularly assured given their extensive groundwork.

His confidence grew further when Bosnia's opening penalty from Ermedin Demirovic was kept out by Karl Darlow.

However, Brennan Johnson blazed his attempt over the bar before Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams, who started his career at Liverpool, failed to convert the crucial penalty.

Bellamy said: "We practiced pens by the way. We've done all our research on it, we've spent all week doing it, so we couldn't have done any more on penalties because I don't believe in luck on pens. I don't.

Wales failed to get over the line on Thursday(Image: Getty Images)

"You've got to be prepare, you've got to rehearse them every day in training, even analysis on penalties went really well, we went through it. That leaves me morebewildered.

"And when they missed the first one, I thought, 'Yeah, this is what we practise for.' But it wasn't the case."

Bosnia's prize will be a home final against Italy as the nation attempts to qualify for the World Cup in North America this summer.

It would represent only Bosnia's second appearance, 12 years following its maiden tournament outing.

Captain Dzeko stated: "We deserve to be in this final."

Wales' next chance for a major tournament is Euro 2028, which the country will jointly host with England, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. Bellamy never reached a major tournament as a Wales player but remains convinced that brighter days lie ahead.

"We've got a home nations Euros coming up, what an incredible time," he said. "We wanted to be in a World Cup this summer, but the future is very bright. There are some good years ahead for Wales.

"I'm disappointed for the players we couldn't get back-to-back World Cups because we are a good team."