Portugal secured qualification for next year’s World Cup after Raul Meireles’ goal was enough to defeat Bosnia on the night, and in turn sealed a 2-0 aggregate victory.
Carlos Queiroz’s team travelled to Zenica defending a goal advantage following Bruno Alves’ first-leg goal in Lisbon, in a game where Bosnia provided several scares, hitting the woodwork on three occasions.
In the return fixture in front of a capacity crowd, Bosnia dominated the opening exchanges but were unable to test Eduardo in the visitors’ goal with any meaningful efforts with FC Porto defender Alves and Ricardo Carvalho providing defensive resilience.
The second half saw the home side become more adventurous in their search for the breakthrough but were outdone by a quick-fire counter coolly finished off by Meireles’ low drive past Kenan Hasagic on 55’.
With Bosnia needing three goals, Miroslav Blazevic’s men adopted a risky attacking formation centred around the lively Edin Dzeko, but became increasingly frustrated at Portugal’s defensive doggedness and organisation.
Tensions boiled over when the disappointing Sejad Salihovic was sent off for a second booking on 76’ before the game was stopped for several minutes after an object thrown from the crowd struck the assistant referee.
The visitors, who were without injured captain Cristiano Ronaldo, were able to control the remainder of the encounter and both Nani and Edinho were guilty of missing several gilt-edged chances in the dying minutes.
Portugal will now be turning their attentions to the World Cup draw due to take place on December 4th.