Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belgium had to be content with a point apiece after an end-to-end UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier.
The onus was on the hosts after managing just a point from their first two Group B fixtures and they did not disappoint the crowd in Zenica. After surviving early scares they forged ahead through Edin Džeko before the half-hour mark, the striker converting after Miralem Pjanić’s pull-back. Belgium responded immediately, finally restoring parity through Radja Nainggolan after half-time.
It was perhaps little more than Belgium deserved, who could have been 2-0 up inside seven minutes had Divock Origi made the most of two opportunities. Eden Hazard also tested Asmir Begović before the Bosnians awoke as an attacking force. Muhamed Bešić tested Thibaut Courtois and Tino-Sven Sušić sent a free-kick just over before Džeko struck.
Belgium regained the initiative, going close through Jan Verthongen and Romelu Lukaku, though after Nainggolan rifled in they again eased off almost fatally. Džeko wasted one opening, while it took a desperate intervention from Vincent Kompany to deny Pjanić as he bore down of Courtois. The match opened up, but ultimately ended in a draw that will suit Belgium more.
Group B Table
1. Wales 7p
2. Israel 6p*
3. Belgium 4p*
4. Cyprus 3p
5. Bosnia 2p
6. Andorra 0p
* Belgium and Israel have one match less
