England had the first chance when Jeffrey Adubofour hit the post early on. The Dragons then took control, creating several opportunities before scoring the opener in the 6th minute: Miloš Radujković netted a goal after a brilliant assist from goalkeeper Darko Milanović. The second goal came in the 20th minute after a great play by Sejad Ibrišimović, Srđan Ivanković, and Josip Sesar, with Sesar finishing the move for 2:0.

 

In the 24th minute, England was awarded a penalty, which Russell Goldstein converted to make it 2:1. Two minutes later, Radujković delivered an excellent cross from the left, allowing Faruk Brkanić to score, making it 3:1. In the 29th minute, Radujković made an assistance again, this time for Amir Baručija for 4:1. The fifth goal came in the 31st minute when Sesar’s cross forced an own goal from Jordan Edge.

In the other Group 8 match, Spain defeated Switzerland 9:0 away. BiH will face Spain in the second round on December 17 at 20:45 in Cartagena.

 

Match: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. England 5:1 (2:0 HT)

Venue: Husejin Smajlović arena, Zenica

Referees: Ivo Tsenov, Kaloyan Kirilov, Ivan Ivanov (Bulgaria)

Goals: 1:0 Radujković (6'), 2:0 Sesar (20'), 2:1 Goldstein (24'), 3:1 Brkanić (26'), 4:1 Baručija (29'), 5:1 Edge (31', own goal)

Yellow cards: Jelić (BiH)

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina lineup: Darko Milanović, Davor Arnautović, Srđan Ivanković, Josip Sesar, Josip Bošković, Amer Delić, Dejan Pavlović, Sejad Ibrišimović, Miloš Radujković, Bilal Jelić, Amir Baručija, Edvin Bosnić, Faruk Brkanić, and Muanis Duvnjak. Head coach: Goran Melher

 

England lineup: Joseph Payne, Samuel McGrath, Jeffrey Adubofour, Liam Palfreeman, Stuart Cook, Jack Walsh, Russell Goldstein, Ryan Walsh, Jake Barnes, Jordan Edge, Jordan Matthews, Ivan Cadete Borges, Harry Tozer, and Fraser Cordan. Head coach: John Tapia Owens