Wales reached their first major tournament in 58 years following a 2-0 loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in October 2015. Although Milan Djuric and Vedad Ibisevic scored for the home side, results elsewhere ensured Welsh progression. Israel lost 2-1 to Cyprus on the same night, which confirmed a top-two finish for Chris Coleman's squad in Group B, according to Sky Sports.
Jason Demetriou, a London-born defender playing for Cyprus, scored the decisive 80th-minute winning goal in Jerusalem. His strike prevented Israel from being able to overtake Wales in the standings. Demetriou, who qualified for Cyprus through his grandfather, had previously played for Leyton Orient and Walsall, per the Football Association of Wales.
The result ended a wait for tournament qualification dating back to the 1958 World Cup. Gareth Bale and his teammates celebrated with travelling supporters at the Bilino Polje Stadium after news of the Cyprus victory arrived. Wales eventually reached the semi-finals of the tournament in France the following summer, as reported by The Guardian.
