BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA STRIKER Edin Dzeko is wary of the dangers Ireland will pose in November’s two-legged play-off for a place at Euro 2016.
Ireland lost to Poland last week as they narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for the finals, dropping into the play-offs for the second European Championship qualification contest in a row.
And in Sunday’s eight-team draw they were paired with Bosnia, who finished third in their group behind Belgium and Wales.
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“The fact Ireland didn’t lose to Germany in qualifying speaks for itself,” Dzeko said.
“We all know they are dangerous from set pieces and that they play long balls. I know most of their players from Premier League, but they know us as well.”
Martin O’Neill’s side will be without captain John O’Shea and striker Jon Walters for the first leg in Bosnia through suspension, something Dzeko believes could work in his country’s favour.
“We have to give 200 per cent to progress,” the Roma star added.
“It would be great to have good result in the first leg, considering the fact they will be missing some important players.”
Meanwhile, Bosnia’s coach Mehmed Bazdarevic believes they have been handed the worst possible draw.
“My opinion is we got the toughest opponent,” he said. “Of course we are capable of beating anyone, but it could have been a better draw.”
Bosnia will host the first leg on November 13, with the second leg then due to take place in Ireland three days later on November 16.
Ireland are looking to secure qualification for their second successive European Championship — four years ago they came through a play-off tie with Estonia.
'We got the toughest opponent!' - Dzeko and Bosnia wary of 'dangerous' Ireland
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA STRIKER Edin Dzeko is wary of the dangers Ireland will pose in November’s two-legged play-off for a place at Euro 2016.
Ireland lost to Poland last week as they narrowly missed out on automatic qualification for the finals, dropping into the play-offs for the second European Championship qualification contest in a row.
And in Sunday’s eight-team draw they were paired with Bosnia, who finished third in their group behind Belgium and Wales.
“The fact Ireland didn’t lose to Germany in qualifying speaks for itself,” Dzeko said.
“We all know they are dangerous from set pieces and that they play long balls. I know most of their players from Premier League, but they know us as well.”
Martin O’Neill’s side will be without captain John O’Shea and striker Jon Walters for the first leg in Bosnia through suspension, something Dzeko believes could work in his country’s favour.
“We have to give 200 per cent to progress,” the Roma star added.
Meanwhile, Bosnia’s coach Mehmed Bazdarevic believes they have been handed the worst possible draw.
Bosnia will host the first leg on November 13, with the second leg then due to take place in Ireland three days later on November 16.
Ireland are looking to secure qualification for their second successive European Championship — four years ago they came through a play-off tie with Estonia.
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caution Euro 2016 Qualifiers Dangerous Edin Dzeko Bosnia-Herzegovina Ireland Republic