Field day for Bosnia, Chile grounded

It was a message of intent, delivered clearly and convincingly in the most fabulous style. For Chile, it was a disappointing day. The high-profile striking duo of Hector Tapia and Sebastian Gonzalez couldn’t put their together acts together against the composed Bosnian defence. And the only time when Chile had a clear look at the goal just a minute before the interval; but Gonzalez’s shot was neatly collected by the impressive Adnan Guso under the Bosnian bar. Apart from that occasion rarely did the Balkans resort to desperation.

They played to a plan and most importantly with a purpose which completely outclassed the Olympic bronze medallists.

Chile’s supplyline was cut off as it were the men in whites who called the shots. Right from the kick-off, the Bosnians packed the middle with more men so as to ensure that it got the better of the likes of Moises Villaroel and Rodrigo Melendez. So much so that the attacking third only had Hota in the beginning. However, after the interval Muharemovic was promoted to add more punch into the attack. It paid off well as the Chile’s suspected defence cracked under the onslaught of the marauding Bosnians. The winners resumed with much more firepower in their attack. Capitalising on Chile’s suspected rearguard, Bosnia twice came close to scoring. And on both the occasions Ramirez’s experience staved off the threat. Once he acrobatically punched the ball after Muharemovic sent in a floater and next he had to stretch himself to pluck out a back-header by Milan Ozren.