Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 27 March 2026 17:45, UK

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Neco Williams was left devastated away from Nottingham Forest on Thursday after he missed the penalty that brought Wales’ World Cup dreams to an end.

The defender was selected to take the fourth penalty but saw his effort saved by Nikola Vasilj, allowing Kerim Alajbegovic to send Bosnia and Herzegovina to the play-off final.

Craig Bellamy’s side had been ahead in the first half when Dan James netted a stunning strike from well outside the box.

But a late goal from Edin Dzeko allowed the Bosnians back into the game, and a closely-contested extra time left penalties to decide it.

Nottingham Forest’s Williams will now join Wales as they play Northern Ireland, who were also knocked out on Thursday.

Welsh media offer Neco Williams condolences

Brennan Johnson has been slammed for his performance against Bosnia, with the winger also missing from the spot.

The Crystal Palace man ballooned his effort over the bar, but Williams can hardly claim to have taken a better kick, placing his well towards the middle of the goal and at the perfect height for Vasilj.

But penalties are a lottery, and the defender can be proud of the impact that he had during the game.

The 24-year-old played the entire 120 minutes, making more tackles than anyone else and providing a consistently solid defensive presence.

Williams has been known for his attacking prowess at Nottingham Forest, but this was a performance of steel and determination at the back, with the Welsh backline only eventually breached by a corner.

Wales Online rated the defender’s performance as a 7/10, and wrote: “Defended pretty well. No player made more tackles.

“Not quite as influential as usual in possession, but a fairly good performance nonetheless. Agony in the penalty shootout.”

Williams must quickly recover ahead of key matches

Williams will be devastated after Thursday’s events, but the defender must pick himself up quickly.

Nottingham Forest face Porto in the Europa League quarter-final in April, and they are also set for key matches against Aston Villa, Burnley and Sunderland in their fight for safety.

Vitor Pereira’s side took a massive step away from the drop zone when they beat Tottenham before the break, but they remain just three points ahead of West Ham.

Williams has enjoyed a strong season, despite Nottingham Forest’s struggles, and they will need him at his best for the run-in.