Bosnians grind out vital win

Bosnia-Herzegovina kept their hopes of qualifying for UEFA EURO 2004™ alive thanks to a 1-0 away win in Luxembourg.

All to play for
With Group 2 rivals Denmark and Romania drawing 2-2 in Copenhagen, Bosnia-Herzegovina will win the section if they overcome Denmark in Zenica next month. Norway, who are at home to Luxembourg on the same night, are now also in with a chance. Denmark and Romania are level on 14 points - the Romanians having completed their qualifying campaign - while the Bosnians now have 12 points, one ahead of Norway.

Barbarez strike
Bosnia-Herzegovina had to battle hard for this narrow win, with the home side being cheered on by 3,500 fans. The only goal of the game came from Hamburger SV striker Sergej Barbarez, who finished from close range after a corner by Hasan Salihamidzic. The result reflected the visitors' superiority, with the away side dominating the game from the start.

Lacking spark
Luxembourg, troubled by injuries, seemed to tire early. They were simply not incisive enough upfront, and lacked any creative spark in midfield – too often kicking the ball straight through to the opposition goalkeeper.

Fluid play
Bosnia-Herzegovina created a number of good chances, with Barbarez and Muhamed Konjic going the closest. The corner from which the goal came was one by some typically fluid Bosnian play. The visitors did lack a cutting edge themselves, and several further chances were spurned after the break, with Barbarez always to the fore.