Ireland Join Le RendezVous

The Republic of Ireland complete the qualifying for the home nations with 2 goals from Jon Walters to guide them to a 3-1 aggregate lead over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

You could tell that there was a lot on the line for both sides with neither looking to break the defensive line in search of a goal. Ireland were getting joy down the left hand side, with Robbie Brady and Jeff Hendrick regularly linking up to great affect. From set pieces and wide positions, the deliveries were often poor and many chances were squandered.

Ireland were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute when the Senad Lulic was penalised for a handball. Jon Walters stepped up and converted for his 9th goal in Irish colours. It looked as if the penalty was awarded in controversial circumstances particularly as Lulic's arm was tucked tight to his chest. But hey, it's not the first time Ireland have been embroiled in hand ball controversy.

Asmir Begovic was nearly punished for being slow on the ball with Wes Hoolahan charging the keeper down. The ball however, spun safely into Begovic's grasp and the ref blew up for handball shortly after. The game settled down after the goal and Bosnia began to get on the ball more. This was a risky game by Ireland to concede possession as easier as they are, particularly with Miralem Pjanic, Edin Dzeko and Senad Lulic up front for the visitors.

At the break, Bosnia never looked like scoring, but no doubt they would be given the hair dryer treatment at half time. For Bosnia, Pjanic looked solid and did pose some questions for the Irish defence. Ireland probably deserved the goal lead, but must not switch off, instead try and push on and get another goal. Concentration is key for the second half.

Ireland struggled to get out of their half in the first 5 minutes of the second half and when they did get the ball it was often hoofed long and easily dealt with by the Bosnian defence. 15 minutes in, Ireland were still defending stoutly. One of Bosnia's front three just needs one clear cut chance and then they are level, Ireland need to push up and retain the possession better than they have been doing.

Ireland doubled their lead on 70 minutes. Emir Spahic took his free kick tally into the tens with a high boot into Jon Walters and was probably lucky to not receive his marching orders. The delivery from the free kick was superb - the first decent one tonight and and volley from the Stoke man sent the Aviva crowd into a frenzy. 

Shane Long had another great opportunity to add a third, when he dispossessed the Bosnian defender, but the defender caught up with him and did enough to put the striker off. With a bit more match sharpness I would have backed the Irishman to find the back of the net.

Ireland now had the control of the game and with 10 minutes left, looked as if they were joining England, Wales and Northern Ireland in France next June. There were a few nervy moments, with a goal mouth scramble and Bosnia piling players forward. It was too little to late despite Vedad Ibisevic rattling the cross bar from point blank range. 2-0 to the hosts.

Ireland roll out 3-1 winners on aggregate to secure their third appearance at the European Championships and the first time both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have qualified for the same competition.