Bosnians buoyant after Albania victory

Bosnia and Herzegovina got their 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign off to the perfect start with an impressive 4-1 win against Group 4 rivals Albania.

Jasmin Mešanović set the ball rolling in the 17th minute in Zenica, and the hosts made their superiority count when Aldin Cajic arrowed in a precise effort from distance 12 minutes later. Bosnia did not have things all their own way and their guests struck a riposte on the cusp of half-time through Fabio Hoxha's header, and forced a good save after the restart.

But Vlado Jagodić's charges were back on top midway through the second period, when Mešanović doubled his tally for the night, ending Albania's resistance by heading in Haris Duljević's centre. Duljević then turned goal scorer as he removed any shadow of doubt in added time, putting the finishing touch to a smart counterattack.

"We've started with a solid victory, but the work has just begun," said Bosnia coach Jagodić after the final whistle. "I expect hard games against Hungary, Austria and Spain, but I think we can go all the way this time."