The European Championship playoff qualifiers are never dull, with a host of talented teams going head to head in all-out battles for the last few spots in the tournament. Even with a larger field for Euro 2016, the competition hasn’t lightened up a bit, and when teams like the Republic of Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina square off, you know you’re going to be in for a treat.
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Ireland live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Euro 2016 qualifying online
Ireland need to take some kind of adavantage to the second leg at home. Can they get the job done against a talented Bosnia and Herzegovina team?
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This tie pits two perennial underdogs against one another, with Ireland coming off a group round where they scored a few impressive upsets, and Bosnia aiming to prove that their disappointing World Cup performance two summers ago was a fluke. With a place in France next summer beckoning, these are two teams who will absolutely leave everything out on the field in order to try to secure that spot. It’s really hard to say which of these teams have the edge, because they’re very evenly matched -- no matter what happens, this should be a very, very exciting match.
Key Bosnia and Herzegovina player -- Miralem Pjanic
The supremely talented playmaker has been struggling a bit in the last couple of weeks with Roma, but he has the talent to have a massive impact on this match. With Ireland’s defense busy dealing with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s talented front line, their midfield might struggle to contain Pjanic if he gets cruising, and his skill with free kicks is unmatched by anyone else who will be on the pitch. Matches like this are often about who can manage to create more special moments, and Pjanic is someone who can create them in bunches.
Key Republic of Ireland player -- Seamus Coleman
Coleman and his defensive prowess at right back will be crucial for Ireland, but the more important factor for him will be his ability to create width in attack. Bosnia’s width is problematic at times, and Coleman charging up the right flank behind Ireland’s winger on that side could prove to be too much for them to handle. If he can be as effective as we know he’s capable of being, his contributions could be the key to a big result away from home for Ireland.
Match Date/Time: Thursday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
TV: ESPN2 (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet One (Canada), BHT 1 (Bosnia and Herzegovina), RTE 2, Sky Sports 1/HD (Ireland), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: Watch ESPN (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (Ireland & U.K.)
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