Belgium could take a big leap towards cementing their qualification to Euro 2016 with a win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday. Marc Wilmots’ side head into the game on the back of a stunning defeat to group leaders Wales, and find themselves three points adrift in second place. That would still be good enough to book their place in France next summer, but with Israel and Cyprus only a couple of points further back, they can ill-afford to ease up already.
Belgium vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina live stream: How to watch Euro 2016 qualifying online
Belgium will have to overcome an in-form Bosnia if they’re to move a step closer to booking their place at Euro 2016 on Thursday.
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Bosnia would be in a much healthier position had they not suffered a shock home defeat to Cyprus this time last year. Three months after that disappointment coach Safet Sušić was replaced by Mehmed Baždarević, who has overseen crucial wins over both Andorra and Israel. As a result, the Bosnians head into this match just three points adrift of Belgium, and still with a reasonably good chance of qualification.
When they last met
These sides last met in what was to be Safet Sušić‘s penultimate game in charge of Bosnia, in Zenica last October. They actually didn’t play too badly, and an early goal from Edin Džeko offered hope that their qualification campaign would finally spring to life. However, they were pegged back by Radja Nainggolan in the second period and the game finished 1-1. Sušić was sacked after losing to Israel 3-0 a month later.
Key player: Eden Hazard (Belgium)
A player capable of creating something from nothing, and a man on whom Chelsea relied so heavily when they won the title last season, Eden Hazard is undoubtedly one of the world’s elite footballers. Though he can be inconsistent, he’s also capable of completely terrorizing an opposition fullback with the ball at his feet. Veteran defender Mensur Mujdža will have to be at his very best against the tricky winger.
Match Date/Time: Thursday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Stade Roi Baudouin, Brussels, Belgium
TV: Fox Sports 2 (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.)
Online: Fox Sports 2Go, Fox Sports GO (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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