The Republic of Ireland have been handed a tough play-off opponents in the form of Bosnia-Herzegovina but are confident of going through to the Euro 2016 in France.
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Edin Dzeko’s late equaliser ensured that the Euro 2016 play-off tie between Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Republic of Ireland is evenly poised ahead on the second-leg in Dublin.
With the pitch covered in fog for the entirety of the second half, both sides struggled but it was Ireland who struck first when Robbie Brady fired home to make it 1-0 after 82 minutes.
And as conditions worsened the West Ham stopper admitted he feared the game would be called off.
So I’ll see how he is.
Even at right-back, Coleman is the source of many Ireland attacks but he reminded us all against Poland that he’s no slouch defensively either.
He said: “There is a set of players here well into their thirties who need replacing – they will not mind me saying that – but we want to replace them with really top-quality younger players coming through who can take their place at global level nearly immediately”.
Asked if he needed to remind O’Neill of his potency, the Los Angeles Galaxy striker said with a smile: “I don’t think I need to do that”. We know if we do that, it gives us a good chance to win game.
“Thankfully I could see it all right as it came closer”.
Randolph proved that with an excellent save from Lazio’s Senad Lulic on the hour mark.
“But the fact is they have pulled themselves together, obviously split up in different areas, and Bosnia have now accumulated a side that have not surprised me in terms of technical ability. A 27-year-old Robbie Keane would be in the side, home or away”.
But after 94 minutes, and at halftime in the two-legged tie, it’s Ireland who hold the stronger hand. “I reminded him it was a wee bit like his debut which I gave him way back years ago [in 2009] for Aston Villa against Fulham and he performed outstandingly well then”.
O’Neil chose to go as expected with Darren Randolph in goal, while the absence of John O’Shea meant there was a less experienced centre half pairing of Ciaran Clark and Richard Keogh.
“But we’ve played them now”.
The visitors know that in order to keep their hopes alive, they need to avoid defeat on the road and will prepare for this match accordingly.
“For us tonight it’s a big night”. I think Bosnia are capable of scoring a goal and we will have to play very, very strongly again.
“We got an away goal which helps but that can be wiped out in a minute”. I thought maybe it was just a few smoke from a few fireworks or something. We’ve got a lot to play for in the next leg. We’ve given the ball away terribly and we have’t threatened at all.
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“They are facing good opposition and it should be an enjoyable period for them”.
