Ireland out to finish job against Bosnians
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Article summary
Martin O'Neill said "it would be a big boost for the country" if the Republic of Ireland could qualify at the expense of a Bosnia and Herzegovina side out to show "fighting spirit".
Article top media content
Article body
- Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill not relying on away goal in 1-1 Zenica draw
- Ireland injury doubts John O'Shea and Shane Long trained on Sunday
- Ireland unbeaten at home in eight matches, since May 2014 loss to Turkey
- Mehmed Baždarević expects hosts to be "more aggressive" than on Friday
- Teams to wear black armbands and observe minute's silence following events in Paris
Possible lineups
Republic of Ireland: Randolph; Coleman, Keogh, Clark, Ward; Hendrick, Whelan, McCarthy, Walters; Brady; Murphy.
Out: Given (knee), Meyler (knee)
Doubtful: O'Shea (hamstring), Long (ankle), Murphy (calf)
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Begović; Kolašinac, O. Vranješ, Spahić, Cocalić; Zukanović, Bešić, Medunjanin, Pjanić, Lulić; Džeko.
Out: none
Doubtful: none
Martin O'Neill, Republic of Ireland manager
We have to try and win the game. If we set out with any other sort of mindset, we could be in trouble. The ultimate goal does not change and is the same for both of us. The tie is finely balanced.
It's not about my managerial career, it's about the Republic of Ireland trying to win a game to get to France. I don't think I could put it in more simple terms. It would be great if we could qualify – a big boost to the country.
Mehmed Baždarević, Bosnia and Herzegovina coach
The Irish were what we expected [in the first leg]. I'm sure in Dublin they will be more aggressive and better still. However, I remain convinced that we have enough quality and strength to convert our chances into goals and to get the result. There just has to be more fighting spirit, more heart.
Qualifying campaign
Republic of Ireland, third in Group D
W5 D3 L2 F19 A7
Bosnia and Herzegovina, third in Group B
W5 D2 L3 F17 A12
EURO play-off record
Republic of Ireland: W1 L2
Bosnia and Herzegovina: W0 L1
Reporter's view: Paul Bryan (@UEFAcomPaulB)
Ireland hold a slim advantage after a tense first leg in Zenica, yet the local mood ahead of Monday's return in Dublin remains highly cautious. In front of a passionate home support, O'Neill's men will be expected to create more chances. The visiting Dragons are promising an improved performance on Friday's opener. With so much at stake, we can expect plenty of drama on what may prove to be a long night in the Irish capital.
Did you know?
Ireland striker Long scored the only goal when the teams met in a 2012 friendly, their sole previous meeting before this tie. Find out more in our match background.