The Republic of Ireland welcome Bosnia-Herzegovina to Dublin on Monday for their decisive European Championship playoff second leg. Whoever emerges from this game with the better aggregate scoreline will be heading to play the cream of Europe's crop in France next summer; whoever loses will have to sit and watch from home. Expect it to be a nervy game between two closely-matched sides, and don't be surprised if tempers begin to fray.
Ireland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch Euro 2016 qualifying online
Bosnia will have to overcome an away goals deficit if they’re to beat the Republic of Ireland and qualify for Euro 2016 on Monday.
Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images
As it stands, it’s Ireland with the advantage -- but only just. Martin O’Neill’s side scored a potentially decisive goal courtesy of Robbie Brady in the 82nd minute of the first leg in Zenica, though they were pegged back by Edin Džeko just three minutes later. That means Ireland still lead on the away goals rule, but if they are beaten at home, it’s Bosnia who will be heading to Euro 2016. If the second leg ends in a draw with both sides scoring more than once, it’ll also be heartbreak for the hosts. One thing’s for sure: It’s going to be nervous.
Key factor: Will Ireland’s defence hold out?
Ireland boss O’Neill isn’t the most exciting, attack-minded coach at the best of times, and with an away goals advantage in his back pocket, it’s unlikely we’re going to see Ireland look to play gung-ho football in this match. Instead, we can probably expect them to sit back and try and pick their visitors off on the counter-attack. However, is their defence strong enough to withstand 90 minutes against the creative talent of players like Miralem Pjanić? It’ll have to be, or they could be in for big disappointment.
Key player: Edin Džeko (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
In AS Roma striker Džeko, Bosnia undoubtedly have this tie’s most talented attacker in their ranks. The former Manchester City striker is a fine target man, with a knack of scoring big goals. Strong in the air and lethal when one-on-one, the Ireland defence will need to deny him of all space if they’re going to stop him adding to the equaliser he scored in Zenica last week.
Match date/time: Mon., Nov. 16, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
TV: FOX Sports 1 (US - English); FOX Deportes (US - Spanish); Sportsnet regional networks (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2Go (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (U.K.)
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