Meireles confirms Portugal progress

Raul Meireles's second-half strike earned Portugal a 2-0 aggregate victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the FIFA World Cup play-offs and a berth at next summer's finals in South Africa.

Red card
A goal to the good following the first leg, Meireles broke the deadlock on the night after 56 minutes when he received a pass from Nani and found the corner of the net from just inside the penalty area. Any hopes Bosnia-Herzegovina had of mounting an unlikely fightback evaporated 15 minutes from time with the dismissal of Sejad Salihović.

Cautious opening
Despite the absence of Emir Spahić, Elvir Rahimić, Samir Muratović and Zvjezdan Misimović from the team which started in Lisbon four days earlier, Bosnia-Herzegovina shaded the opening stages with Vedad Ibišević testing Eduardo. It was Portugal, however, who fashioned the clearest chance of the half when Nani played in Tiago and only the foot of goalkeeper Kenan Hasagić kept the ball out.

Nani assist
Nani was playing a prominent role in the visitors' attacks and it was the Manchester United FC winger who was next to threaten three minutes after the break with an effort which Hasagić was equal to. The home crowd had been buoyant but they fell silent just before the hour when Meireles struck to give Portugal a two-goal cushion.