Ex-Liverpool star misses penalty in shootout as nation suffers World Cup agony

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.

Wales had been mere minutes from securing a fixture against Italy when Edin Dzeko's late header equalized Dan James's brilliant strike.Before the decisive shootout, Wales coach Craig Bellamy — another former Liverpool star — had made a straightforward pledge: "We're going all out — we ain't sitting back."READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp opens up on Liverpool return after touching down in ManchesterREAD MORE: Mohamed Salah receives offer for 'one last dance' with former Liverpool teammateThis proved partially accurate. Indeed, given the tense atmosphere — with smoke from the away supporters and chanting from the home faithful — the opening passages were relatively cautious.Despite Bellamy's declaration, this was unsurprising considering what hung in the balance, and Wales naturally required time to adjust to the tactical setup.Williams' miss proved costly(Image: Getty Images)Wilson's impressive campaign has predominantly unfolded on the right wing, and unsurprisingly, he gravitated toward that area regularly.

Bosnian goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj anticipated Wilson's move to shift the ball onto his left foot and bend it toward the far top corner, yet found himself frozen to the spot, relieved as the superb strike rebounded off his post.That moment represented the first half's nearest brush with a goal, with yellow cards far exceeding scoring chances. Bellamy's side required patience and a moment of magic.

Early in the second period, that moment materialized through Dan James.Benjamin Tahirovic's error seemed relatively harmless, but the Leeds wide man set himself up for a long-range half-volley with a touch, and the unexpected nature of the shot caught out Vasilj, whose stumble proved decisive.However, the goalkeeper's blunder shouldn't overshadow James's creativity, as he was only prevented from doubling his tally by the underside of the crossbar moments later. Yet he remained alert and produced another fine save to deny a powerful attempt from Kerim Alajbegovic.Nevertheless, the sustained pressure eventually paid off as former Manchester City forward Dzeko, 40, directed home his 73rd international goal from a corner on 87 minutes to take the match into extra-time.