Portugal on a knife edge

A defensive-minded Bosnia held favourites Portugal to a goalless draw at the Bilino Polje, making things tough for Paulo Bento. Portugal could blame it on the poor pitch that stopped them playing their usual style.

The game was mostly boring and uneventful. The condition of the pitch forced Portugal to play long balls and more direct. Even though they had an upper hand in the first-half, they did not have much control in the midfield.

Bosnia played well and were on top in the later stages of the game, thanks to an additional striker thrown into the fray. Had Ibisevic taken advantage of the two good chances, it would have been good-bye Portugal.

Paulo Bento needs a win at the reverse fixture to be played in Lisbon on Tuesday to qualify for the Euro 2012.