Half time: Advantage Portugal

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Well, Portugal did manage to win and without conceding a goal, but a 1-0 victory means everything is still to play for.

With both sides fancying their chances to reach the World Cup, the only thing certain is that the play-off will be settled, one way or the other, on Wednesday.

Being the favourites on paper, Portugal went on the offensive from the beginning at the weekend but most of their attacks didnâÂÂt create clear-cut opportunities and were easily countered by the Bosnian side.

Some hoped this goal would open the floodgates, but the Bosnian team didnâÂÂt panic.

On one of those occasions, Liédson, who worked his socks off, did superbly to evade a defender but then smashed his effort wide.

With the Portuguese team struggling to find a killer second goal, Queiroz decided it was time to make a move. And thatâÂÂs exactly when Portugal lost control of the match.

Nani, who despite his usual below-average decision making was very lively in the first 45 minutes, was replaced by Benfica left winger Fábio Coentrão. A puzzling decision for three main reasons:

⢠Portugal were enjoying their best period in the game
⢠It was CoentrãoâÂÂs debut;
⢠Nani was the one to leave - the Manchester United winger was certainly not at his best, but his pace can always cause problems. As Portugal were dominating at that stage, Queiroz should have switched to a more attacking-minded formation.

And the truth is that Coentrão, a revelation this term for Benfica, barely did a thing.

The 89th minute witnessed an incredible moment that froze Estádio da Luz as in-demand striker Edin Dzeko met a cross with a powerful header that hit the woodwork for the second time in the game.

In the end, the Selecção may have had more attacks and more shots on goal, but they also had a bit of luck on their side.

Personally, I donâÂÂt agree with the decision of deploying Pepe as a holding midfielder, but he may change my opinion if he keeps putting performances like this one.

The Balkan side have lost four regulars as defender Spahic and midfielders Rahimic and Muratovic were all yellow carded and therefore wonâÂÂt be able to help their team on their amazing quest to South Africa.

While Wolfsburg midfielder Zvjezdan MisimoviÃÂ is injured.

After watching SaturdayâÂÂs clash, it is clear that defence is BosniaâÂÂs weakest link. If Portugal can use their wingers effectively, then they have a very good chance of going through.

Result:  Bosnia 1 Portugal 1 (1-2 aggregate)

Key man: Liédson

ThereâÂÂs no doubt Bosnia is going to be more dangerous on Wednesday. TheyâÂÂll be playing on home turf and after almost doing it three times, they know it is not impossible to score against Portugal.

However, the Selecção know that one goal might just be enough (as Bosnia would have to score three) and thatâÂÂs why LiédsonâÂÂs predatory instincts will be invaluable.

Should the âÂÂSlender Oneâ be on fire, well... Portugal might just book their trip to South Africa.

HereâÂÂs extended highlights of SaturdayâÂÂs match in case you havenâÂÂt seen it.

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