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There will be a party in Wales on Saturday... (or Tuesday!)

Rob Phillips

Football Correspondent

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OK I admit it - I actually thought we'd have had the bash to celebrate Wales' qualification to next summer's Euro 2016 finals, in France.

Let's be honest, many a Welsh fan who watched or listened to the home qualifier with Israel at the Cardiff City Stadium last month were ready to party.

It was understandable since Wales' last major finals appearance was at the World Cup in 1958.

Just one problem. Wales didn't get the win they needed. They drew 0-0.

Of course, that night we also had the hope Cyprus would hold Belgium to secure our qualification.

Typically, Cyprus were four minutes away from securing the result Wales wanted, before Belgium's Eden Hazard scored their winning goal to ensure the Welsh wait continued.

The only redeeming feature for me was the fact I watched the closing minutes of that Cyprus-Belgium game on a special Alan Thompson Show on . Mal Pope and the one and only Beverley Humphries also on hand. Quite an experience!

Imagine what the singing would have been like if we'd won!

Still, after 57 years of waiting to qualify for the finals of a major tournament - another few weeks won't matter.

And let's be fair - at the start of this campaign, who would have thought Wales would be top of Group B and just one point away from qualifying with two games to go?

That's the reality. Wales have two games left to secure the most important point in their history.

On Saturday night, Chris Coleman's men take on Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica before returning home to play world football minnows Andorra, at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday.

Of course, both games and THE best build-up will be on , not forgetting the sports phone-in after each match when you can air your views on 03700-100-110, by texting 8-10-12 or tweeting @bbcradiowales.

 

It looks like a Super Saturday for Welsh sport - with Wales' rugby World Cup clash against Australia at (KO 4.45pm) ahead of the Euro 2016 encounter (KO 7.45pm).

So, for Wales to do it under their own steam, they need a point. Actually, they may not even need a point if Israel fail to win both of their remainng games - at home to Cyprus on Saturday evening and away to Belgium on the night Wales play Andorra.

But as Wales manager Chris Coleman said: ''We want to take care of our own business.''

Wales have never beaten Bosnia. The best result was a 2-2 draw 12 years ago when John Hartson and Rob Earnshaw scored.

But Bosnia, who were top seeds for this group when the original draw was made, have disappointed in this section.

And they are set to be without two of their best players Everton's Mohammed Besic - who is suspended - and former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, who is doubtful with injury.

In contrast, the Wales squad looks as healthy as its been for some time with Joe Allen and Joe Ledley fit again and, best of all, Gareth Bale looking fine..

Coleman is predicting a ''bit of a tear up'' in Zenica because Bosnia have to win to keep alive their slim hopes of securing third place in Group B - and a spot in the Euro 2016 play-offs, which could yet earn them a berth in France.

But Wales travel in confidence these days and will be desperate to remain unbeaten in the group.

Coleman admitted to being ''flat'' for a few days after the Israel game - which goes to show he feels exactly the same emotions as we supporters!!

That is part of the Coleman appeal. He's just like you and me. He wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to pride in his country. That shines through from his players, who he has moulded into a very tight group.

They have the chance to make a dream come true. And, if it does not happen in Bosnia, then Wales have the ultimate insurance against Andorra.

The tiny European mountain top Principality are ranked 205th in football's world rankings - out of 209. They are just behind Somalia and a place in front of Djibouti.

They have only won one competitive game in their history. Frankly, it looks as close to a home banker as you can get.

This time I'm sure there will be no let down.

If its not Saturday, it will be Tuesday. Prepare to party!

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