Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 qualification hopes were handed a significant boost after they earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the first leg of their play-off tie.
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“I’d a very foggy view of our goal”, he added, “I haven’t seen it back since but I think he did very well to come back in (and shoot)”. The 1-1 draw at the Bilino Polje Stadium is a result that gives a big advantage to Martin O’Neill and his boys. “The team is more important than any individual and if I play or am called upon, I’ll be more than ready”. Retaining possession seemed beyond it and, for long spells, Bosnia dominated the ball.
Ireland’s chances had amounted to one Daryl Murphy header early in the second half, as a cross emerged from the murk to find his head.
On the other hand, if Bosnia progress, they’ll have reached the European Championship’s for the first time in their history as an independent nation. “We plan to have more to celebrate tomorrow”.
The Republic of defended well as a unit on the night, but could not hold out to the final whistle, with substitute Ognjen Vranjes delivering a fine assist to AS Roma hitman Dzeko, who scored his 45th global goal. The struggles that Bazdarevic’s side had with transition game were just seen during most of the matches in their qualifying campaign. Switching to a 4-4-2 and having Cocalic in front of his centre-backs this time meant that Miralem Pjanic was the only natural midfielder in the team.
Home crowds like their teams to be positive, but tonight’s full house know what is at stake and will not be expecting a gung-ho display. It was evident that Pjanic wanted to prove his critics wrong; in the first half he was everywhere, going deep and trying to create from the back when there was not enough space in the middle. Despite looking better than Ireland for most of the game, Bosnia-Herzegovina was actually never in control of this match. So I would be advocating, if the opportunities arise, to try and score goals.
This Ireland side have persistently displayed all the best qualities of an O’Neill team.
“Obviously, it would be terrific if we could do it, but I have to be very, very mindful of the fact that we are a long way away from doing that”. “Seriously though, if we can get Ross Barkley and John Stones good experiences out of that game it will be very beneficial”.
“I thought everyone done well on the night” was Clark’s modest deflection when his overall performance was praised after a wet and windy morning session in Abbotstown yesterday. We have got an away goal, which helps, but that can be wiped out in any given minute. And to do that, Bosnia will have to drastically change their game.
“Ireland are a hard working side and they have a few skill as well so they didn’t surprise me”, said the Chelsea star.
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But none of that will matter if he can get through another 90 minutes, ideally without conceding a goal.
