Wales Coach Craig Bellamy Warns of Dzeko Danger

Dzeko's experience a threat to Wales' World Cup hopes, says coach Bellamy

Wales faces Bosnia and Herzegovina in World Cup playoff semi-final on March 26, with veteran striker Edin Dzeko leading the visitors.

Craig Bellamy warns Wales to watch out for Dzeko's experience and threat in crucial World Cup playoff...

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is warning his team not to underestimate Bosnia and Herzegovina's veteran striker Edin Dzeko ahead of their crucial World Cup play-off clash. Dzeko, a two-time Premier League winner with Manchester City, turns 40 on Tuesday, but Bellamy isn't counting him out.

Bellamy is due to announce his squad for the play-offs on Tuesday, and he's keeping a close eye on Dzeko's threat. The match against Bosnia and Herzegovina is a must-win for Wales, and Bellamy knows his team can't afford to be complacent.

Wales is gearing up to host Bosnia and Herzegovina in a World Cup playoff semi-final at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on March 26. Bosnia's captain, Edin Dzeko, a veteran striker now playing for Bundesliga 2 club Schalke, will lead his team against Wales. Dzeko, who has won two Premier League titles with Manchester City, is considered a threat to Wales' hopes of qualifying for the World Cup.

Wales coach Craig Bellamy has warned that Dzeko remains a dangerous player, citing his experience and link-up play as key concerns. Wales will look to capitalize on their home advantage and recent form, having secured a seeded position in the playoffs with a 7-1 win over North Macedonia.

“He was never that speed player, but his link-up play and game intelligence is always going to be high,” said former City forward Bellamy, whose time at the Etihad finished in the same summer of 2011 that Dzeko moved to Manchester.

“He's still playing at a good level and he's definitely a dangerous player.

“The idea for us would be to keep Bosnia away from our box because that's when he comes into his own.

“The more time he's outside the box, the benefit it would be for us.

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No new callups. Nidal Čelik (Lens 🇫🇷) returns after more than a year away, while Radeljić and Demirović are also back in.

Jovo Lukić gets his first chance with the full ‘A’ squad; last called up for a December friendly in… pic.twitter.com/A5cP14VWU1

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“We know Bosnia is going to be a tough game. Physically they are very good, well-organised.

“They are good in both boxes and don't need too many chances to score.”

Wales or Bosnia will host either Italy or Northern Ireland on March 31, with the winner securing a spot in this summer's World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The play-off final is the culmination of a thrilling knockout stage, with Wales taking on Bosnia in a semi-final clash at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on March 26. The winner will face the victor of Italy vs Northern Ireland in the final, scheduled for March 31.