Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Thu 26 March 2026 22:36, UK

Wales’ World Cup playoff semi-final penalty shootout loss over Bosnia will have had plenty of Leeds United supporters watching along.

The Whites had four stars starting the contest at the Cardiff City Stadium on 26 March, hoping to help the Dragons get through to the final.

Ethan Ampadu captained the side, Karl Darlow was between the sticks, Joe Rodon was at the back and Dan James was on the wing as they drew 1-1 after extra time.

Leeds will pray that their players come back on top form and without injuries, but how did they perform against the Edin Dzeko-led side?

Dan James bounces back from Leeds misery – 8/10

Dan James has struggled for Leeds this season, with just 17 appearances and no goals or assists so far in any competition.

However, he shone on the international stage with a stunning effort from range in the 51st minute, which left Nikola Vasilj helpless.

He recorded five shots, as he constantly tried to make something happen for his country, and he eventually did with one of his two efforts on target, per Sofascore.

James also helped out defensively, winning four of the seven ground duels that he attempted in the contest and making three recoveries.

The Whites will pray that he can come back and perform like that in the league, as it could massively help their survival bid.

He came off in the 84th minute, which will be a relief to Daniel Farke.

Karl Darlow in inspired form as Wales win – 7/10

Karl Darlow has been Leeds’ number one in recent weeks, and that is also the case for the Dragons.

That does not look like changing anytime soon, especially after his showing against the Bosnians.

The Whites stopper had a shaky start to the clash, but he bounced back with two magical saves in the second half, and a total of four.

The first was an absolutely magical full-stretch effort to stop Ermedin Demirovic in the 63rd minute, after Dzeko had headed it back across the goal.

The second was a save from Kerim Alajbegovic in the 71st minute as the Bosnia star blasted the ball towards his goal.

He was unfortunate to misjudge coming out for the ball from a corner, which allowed Dzeko to equalise in the 86th minute, but he made up for it saving the opening penalty in the shootout.

Unfortunately, his teammates missed two and they crashed out.

Joe Rodon keeps his cool as Bosnia frustrate – 7/10

The visitors desperately pushed for a goal, and Joe Rodon played a crucial part in stopping them from getting one for such a long time.

He made 10 defensive contributions, winning the only tackle that he attempted, and making nine clearances.

The Whites ace won three of the five ground duels that he contested and seven of the 10 aerial battles that he attempted.

He has been in fine form for the Elland Road side, and that continued on international duty.

Ethan Ampadu leads with style – 7/10

Ampadu was handed the armband and he did not disappoint on a vital evening for his nation.

He completed 88 per cent of his 96 pass attempts, including 44 of 46 in his own half for a 96 per cent success rate in that area.

He made 39 carries to try and get his side up the pitch, for a total distance of 296.2m, and made 123 touches, only losing possession on 18 occasions.

Defensively, was where he really excelled, though, winning all three tackles that he attempted, making five clearances, one block and 11 recoveries.

In terms of duels, he won seven of the nine that he attempted on the ground and four of eight in the air, in a spirited display.