Ibišević sparks Bosnia and Herzegovina joy

Bosnia and Herzegovina will make their major tournament debut next summer in Brazil after Vedad Ibišević's second-half goal overcame Lithuania and took them to the FIFA World Cup.

Lithuania had goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis in superb form for more than an hour, denying several Miralem Pjanić's free-kicks, but eventually the guests found what they came for as Edin Džeko set up Ibišević for a tap-in on 68 minutes. Bosnia and Herzegovina therefore win Group G ahead of Greece on goal difference – and avoid a play-off having lost at that stage four years ago to Portugal and again in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying.

Safet Sušić's team nearly scored from their first free-kick as Pjanić's dipping shot was superbly saved by Arlauskis. They continued to press but found the Lithuania defence in stubborn mood. Midway through the half a Mindaugas Kalonas volley forced Asmir Begović into a fine stop while, back at the other end, another Pjanić set piece was kept out by by Arlauskis.

Lithuania's No1 parried a further Pjanić free-kick early in the second period and the cutback was fired over by Ermin Bičakčić. On 66 minutes Džeko teed up Ibišević in the box, but his low strike was fantastically saved by Arlauskis. Two minutes later, however, the same duo combined and Džeko‘s low cross was tapped in Ibišević from close range, sending the travelling fans wild.

As Lithuania now had to push forward, Begović had a part to play as he repelled a Kalonas effort on the counterattack and also dealt with a late Gratas Sirgėdas free-kick. Bosnia and Herzegovina held on for a historic victory, while Lithuania finish fourth ahead of neighbours Latvia.