The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team played a 2:2 draw with the Cyprus national team in Larnaca on Thursday evening, in the sixth round of World Cup qualifiers.
The BiH national football team recorded their first draw in these qualifiers, after which they reduced their chances of winning first place in Group H. The Cypriots proved to be an extremely difficult and tough opponent in this match as well, with the home team having more possession and a greater number of good chances in the first half. BiH took advantage of two breakaways and scored two goals, but conceded goals in stoppage time in both halves and missed out on a fifth victory.
BiH took the lead in the 10th minute with a goal by Katić, who jumped well in the penalty area after a cross by Alajbegović. His header was saved by the Cyprus goalkeeper, but the Schalke player sent the rebound into the net and scored the first goal for the national team.
BiH doubled their lead in the 36th minute with an own goal by goalkeeper Michael. Alajbegović aimed directly at the goal from a corner kick, the Cyprus goalkeeper caught the ball but it fell out of his hands and ended up in the goal.
Cyprus managed to reduce the deficit by the end of the half through Laifis, who scored in the first minute of stoppage time. Tzionis hit the post, and Laifis ran to the rebound and placed Vasilja behind his back.
The Cypriots, who had possession and field initiative for most of the half, had two more 100% chances through Pittas, who twice went alone in front of Vasilja but missed the goal.
In the second half, the Cypriots continued to press all over the field, but BiH managed to resist all attempts by the home team. On the other hand, the team of coach Sergej Barbarez had several chances to score a third goal through the young Bajraktarević and Memić, but the score did not change until stoppage time when the home team still managed to get a point.
Kakoulli was fouled in the BiH penalty area, and after a VAR review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot, from where Pittas scored for the final 2:2.
BiH could have won in the end, in the 11th minute of stoppage time, but Beširović did not take advantage of Omerović’s excellent cross and missed the goal from ten meters.
BiH played in this match with the following lineup: Vasilj, Mujakić (from 46. Nurnić), Muharemović, Tahirović (from 90. Beširović), Dedić, Gigović (from 65. Bašić), Džeko, Šunjić, Memić (from 83. Omerović), Katic, Alajbegović (from 65. Bajraktarević).
In the second match in this group, Austria defeated San Marino 10:0.
Austria took the lead in the group with points, Bosnia and Herzegovina is second with 13, Romania third with seven, Cyprus has five, while San Marino has no points.
In the next round on October 12, Bosnia and Herzegovina is free, and Romania – Austria and San Marino – Cyprus meet.
