Bosnia and Herzegovina undo Slovakia

Izet Hajrovič's first international goal got Bosnia and Herzegovina back on course for a first visit to the FIFA World Cup finals as they overturned a half-time deficit against Slovakia.

Having succumbed 1-0 to the same opponents in Zenica on Friday, Safet Sušić's side looked to be in danger of losing their grip at the top of Group G when Marek Hamšík put Slovakia ahead. However, the visitors resumed their course for Brazil when Ermin Bičakčič struck back, Hajrovič then winning the match with a long-range strike.

Ján Mucha denied Zvjezdan Misimovič and Edin Džeko inside five minutes as Bosnia and Herzegovina roared into action, but – in their first qualifying game under coach Ján Kozák – Slovakia steadied themselves.

Stanislav Šesták had a goal chalked off for offside midway through the half, but Slovakia scored for real on the break three minutes before the interval, Peter Pekarík feeding Adam Nemec, who laid the ball on for Hamšík to beat Asmir Begovič.

Bosnia and Herzegovina increased the pressure after half-time and Slovakia buckled; first, Bičakčič scored from close range following a corner, before Grasshopper Club midfielder Hajrovič – on as a substitute – capped his second international appearance with a fine strike.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will now hope that their vastly superior goal difference pays dividends as they look to stave off Greece's challenge for top spot in October.