The first 10 minutes passed with both sides testing each other in positional play, before the home team scored four goals between the 11th and 15th minute. After that, our team woke up a bit and scored twice, going into halftime three goals behind. The second half saw much better performance from our team, with chances coming regularly, but Belgium’s goalkeeper was up to the task. Toward the end, when our players threw everything forward, Belgium scored two more goals and after the first leg of the play-offs secured a five-goal advantage.

The return match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, at 20:00 at the Husejin Smajlović arena in Zenica.

Belgium vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 7:2 (5:2)

Venue: Lotto Arena, Antwerp

Referees: Nicola Manzione, Chiara Perona and Giulio Colombin (all Italy)

Goals: 1:0 Vanderheyden (10'), 2:0 Vanderheyden (11'), 3:0 Ghislandi (12'), 4:0 Vaelen (14'), 4:1 Ivanković (17'), 5:1 Aabbou (17'), 5:2 Ivanković (18'), 6:2 Aabbou (38'), 7:2 Cordier (39')

Yellow cards: Aabbou (Belgium), Bundavica, Kalajdžić (BiH)

Belgium: Dries Vrancken, Bram Meyers, Matteo Cordier, Thibeau Dochez, Grello, Steven Dillien, Ilias Bachar, Benneth Vaelen, Marvin Ghislandi, Jamal Aabbou, Jasper Buyl, Kenneth Vanderheyden, Julien Mbazoa, Yassine Qoli. Coach: Karim Bachar

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Darko Milanović, Senad Poračanin, Sejad Ibrišimović, Miloš Todorić, Davor Arnautović, Adnan Kalajdžić, Srđan Ivanković, Josip Sesar, Almedin Bundavica, Bilal Jelić, Josip Bošković, Amir Baručija, Samir Gosto, Amer Džindić. Coach: Goran Melher