Višća helps Bosnia and Herzegovina see off Israel
Friday, June 12, 2015
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Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 Israel
The home team came from behind to close the gap to Group B's qualifying positions, Edin Višća's double earning a valuable win.
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• Bosnia and Herzegovina's Group B revival continues at expense of Israel
• Tal Ben Haim II gives Israel 41st-minute lead in Zenica
• Edin Višća quickly equalises (43); Edin Džeko penalty gives home team half-time lead
• Višća clinches second win in two games for new coach Mehmed Baždarević (75)
• Next games: Belgium v Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel v Andorra (3 September)
Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded their second European Qualifiers Group B win in as many games to continue their revival under new coach Mehmed Baždarević, Edin Višća's double helping see off Israel.
The visitors kicked off two places and four points better off than their opponents and struck first in Zenica, Tal Ben Haim II securing them a 41st-minute lead. By half-time, remarkably, they were behind thanks to Višća and an Edin Džeko penalty; Višća wrapped up the victory 15 minutes from time.
Beaten 3-0 in Haifa last November, Bosnia and Herzegovina could ill afford a repeat and were swiftly into their stride, Haris Medunjanin twice going close in the first eight minutes.
Just past the half-hour Eran Zahavi slipped a pass through to Ben Haim II but the shot was straight at Asmir Begović. Višća then poked wide under pressure before the match burst into life shortly before the interval.
Israel scored first in the 41st minute, Džeko slicing straight into the path of Ben Haim, who volleyed in. The celebrations had barely died down before they were pegged back, however, Mensur Mujdža setting up Višća's equaliser.
Ognjen Vranješ' effort then hit Sheran Yeini's arm; Džeko duly sent Ofir Marciano the wrong way from the spot. Israel rallied after the break, Ben Sahar, Ben Haim II and substitute Maor Buzaglo all threatening to restore parity, but it was the Bosnian and Herzegovinians who delivered the decisive blow.
Skipper Džeko found Višća, who forced the ball on to Senad Lulić; although Marciano saved the resulting attempt, he could only push out for Višća to nod in. Džeko also smacked the crossbar in the closing stages but it mattered not. Appointed in December, Baždarević has now overseen two wins in as many games as his new side mount a belated charge for a place in France next summer.