Round-Up: Bosnia beaten in classic by Belgium, big boost to home nations

ByTom Adams

Updated 07/10/2017 at 21:56 GMT

Bosnia-Herzegovina suffered a big setback in World Cup qualifying when losing 4-3 at home to Belgium – in a result which is superb news for Wales and Scotland, amongst others.

Bosnia’s defeat means that if Wales win the huge showdown in Cardiff on October 9 against Ireland, they will be guaranteed of a play-off place. Ireland would also stand an excellent chance with three points.

Scotland, meanwhile, will also be assured of a play-off place if they win their final qualifier against Slovenia - and Northern Ireland need only a point against Norway. Bosnia's defeat also means Italy are in the play-offs.

There are nine groups in European qualification and the second-placed team with the worst record against the teams placed first, third, fourth and fifth in their group will not go into the play-offs.

International friendlies

'We measure everything' - Southgate defends Stones decision despite injury scare

27/03/2024 at 10:03

The hosts looked to have snatched a lifeline in Sarajevo when Dario Dumic made it 3-3 on 82 minutes, but Belgium had the lead again with in a minute when Yannick Ferreira Carrasco exploited a big mistake from Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinc.

Belgium had already qualified but Bosnia have lost second spot in Group H after Greece beat Cyprus 2-1.

Elsewhere in Group H in an early kick-off, Estonia routed Gibraltar 6-0 away from home, with Joonas Tamm bagging a hat-trick.

Sweden's Marcus Berg celebrates with teammate Ola Toivonen

Image credit: Reuters

In Group A, Sweden ensured France cannot qualify automatically on Sunday as they smashed Luxembourg 8-0, with Marcus Berg scoring four goals. However, Didier Deshcamps' men made sure they still top the group with a 1-0 win over Bulgaria.

Netherlands trail Sweden by three points after their 3-1 win over Belarus and must now hammer them by seven goals in Amsterdam on Tuesday to snatch the runner-up spot.

Faroe Islands also drew 0-0 with Latvia to move onto nine points in Group B.

EUROPEAN QUALIFYING RESULTS

Sweden 8-0 Luxembourg

Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-4 Belgium

Faroe Islands 0-0 Latvia

Gibraltar 0-6 Estonia

Belarus 1-3 Netherlands

Bulgaria 0-1 France:

Andorra 0-2 Portugal

Switzerland 5-2 Hungary

Cyprus 1-2 Greece

International friendlies

‘Everyone will be negative about it’ – Bellingham says ‘perspective’ needed with England

27/03/2024 at 07:53

International friendlies

Bellingham strikes in added-time as England draw with Belgium

27/03/2024 at 07:53

Football

‘I'd love him to be here’ – Rice hoping to convince White to reconsider England snub

26/03/2024 at 12:38