Story of the half: A half hour of Bosnian control breaks Nigeria’s way when Peter Odemwingie’s set up for a 29th minute opener. With a goal of their own having been controversially waved off earlier, the Bosnian bench is left appealing for the same outcome. When the near-side official’s flag stays down despite contact in the buildup, the favorites are left with a 1-0 deficit at halftime.
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Goals:
29' - Bosnia tries to convince the assistant, but Odemwingie’s goal will stand. After getting his feet tied up with Emmanuel Emenike, Bosnian captain Emir Saphic is left on the ground as the Nigerian attacker moves toward goal. Drilling a pass to the edge of the six-yard box, Emenike sets up Odemwingie for an easy finish, giving the Super Eagles their first goal of the tournament.
Other key moments:
21' - Finally taking advantage of their possession, Bosnia score the first goal of the match. Unfortunately, it won’t count. After a flick from Miralem Pjanic allowed Zvejzdan Misimovic to play Edin Dzeko through, the assistant referee’s flag goes up, though replays showed the Bosnian attacker was onsite. Three minutes later, Dzeko has another try, but Vincent Enyeama keeps Nigeria even.
Lineups:
Nigeria: Enyeama; Ambrose, Oshaniwa, Yobo, Omeruo; Mikel, Onazi; Musa, Odemwingie, Babatunde; Enemike
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Begovic; Mujdza, Blcakcic, Spahic, Sunjic; Medunjanin, Besic; , Misimovic, Pjanic Hajrovic; Dezko
Key Players:
- Miralem Pjanic, Bosnia and Herzegovina - The Roma midfielder has had room to create in front of the Nigerian defense but has yet to craft a goal. Given how many times he’s played teammates through (as well as his part in the team’s waved off goal), it’s only a matter of time. John Obi Mikel and Ogenyi Onazi need to keep better tabs on Bosnia’s best player.
- Emmanuel Emineke, Nigeria - Bosnia’s controlling possession, but thanks to Emenike (as well as Odemwingie and Ahmed Musa), the Nigerians have been just as dangerous. Per Opta, Emineke has already created three chances for his teammates - only one less than Pjanic.
Question for the second half:
- Can Bosnia’s defense take care of the ball - Emineke has been good, but the defense has made it easy. Four giveaways deep in their own end have made Bosnia their own worst enemy. Well, other than ...
- Have the officials decided this match? - It’s not the worst officiating we’ve seen in this tournament, but based on replays, the score should probably be reversed. Can Bosnia persevere, or will we be left to discuss the controversy instead of the result?