Portugal peg back lively Bosnia-Herzegovina

Portugal will need to beat Croatia on Wednesday to win UEFA European Under-17 Championship elite round Group 2 after being held by hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Ivan Kukavica put Bosnia-Herzegovina ahead in the 14th minute but Bruma swiftly equalised in fine style. There was little to choose between the teams after that, but the home side, who lost their opener against Croatia, can no longer top the group.

Ricardo Esgaio and Betinho both had early chances for Portugal, who began with a 4-1 win against Romania, yet the home side went in front when Kukavica headed in Abid Mujagic's corner. Five minutes later, Mateus Fonseca sent in a cross from the right which was superbly volleyed in from a tight angle by Bruma.

Rui Bento, the Portugal coach, said: "I expected a tough match as Bosnia-Herzegovina are very strong physically. This draw will not change much. After the first round I knew that the last match would be decisive. We must win against Croatia and we'll approach that match with confidence."

His opposite number, Velimir Stojnic, added: "After an unlucky defeat against Croatia in the first match, my players reacted really well and played an excellent game. I'm satisfied because we showed we could equal the strongest European teams."