Bosnia set up France showdown
Zvjezdan Misimovic scored twice as Bosnia & Herzegovina set up a
winner-takes-all Group D decider against France in Paris after coasting to a 5-0
victory over group minnows Luxembourg.
Safet Susic's side started the night knowing a win would guarantee them at
least a play-off berth and it was soon obvious the points were a mere formality
against opponents with just one win in nine.
Manchester City's Edin Dzeko brought the first save out of Luxembourg keeper
Jonathan Joubert in the fourth minute and Dzeko also shot just wide of target
from 25 yards after 10 minutes.
Two minutes, later Dzeko headed Bosnia into the lead from the centre of the
penalty area when he connected with a fine cross by Mensur Mujdza from deep on
the right wing.
With 15 minutes on the clock Bosnia went further ahead when Misimovic fired his
first of the night from a 20-yard free-kick, having been fouled by Tom Schnell,
and five minutes later Misimovic got his second from the penalty spot after Ante
Bukvic fouled Vedad Ibisevic and was booked.
Dzeko continued to trouble the visiting defence with Joubert tipping an effort
on the half-hour around the post, but 10 minutes from half-time Bosnia made it
four when Miralem Pjanic fired home.
Bosnia eased home in the second half with Haris Medunjanin bundling home his
side's fifth five minutes after the break.
Medunjanin and Misimovic both had further chances but the home side eased to
victory with plenty to spare.