From the opening moments it seemed clear that the Scottish were the bigger, stronger (and perhaps older) team, and this fact they intended to use to their advantage.

 

 

Rough play began early in the midfield areas, and resulted in many whistles and free kicks for Bosnia.  Regardless, choppy (if not somewhat hesitant) play continued through at least the first twenty minutes with much of the action taking place in the Bosnian defensive zone.

 

 

Scottish strength in the back and mid-field was apparent as they were successful in moving the ball quickly and confidently up field, attempting to set up scoring opportunities in their offensive zone.  However, and perhaps curiously, Scottish strikers were repeatedly contained by the Bosnian defensive corps at the line.

 

 

Several shots were made on net, yet they were either too weak, off the mark, or easily handled by the Bosnian goalkeeper, who essentially kept his team in the game throughout the first half.  No scoring occurred in the first 45 minutes, as each team may have found the hot weather somewhat of a distraction.

 

 

 

The play opened up early in the second half.  Bosnia was now more successful in moving the ball and created some offensive forays of their own - however after making changes to their striker scenario Scottish seemed to have also gotten the jump on their defensive counterparts.

 

 

Minutes after earning an early corner kick, Scottish converted on a forceful attempt inside the box, essentially walking the ball into the net at approximately 8 minutes.  Scottish scored again at the 17 minute mark as a result of a burst of speed by their #77 (blue) and a well placed shot along the ground.

 

 

The play of #2 (blue) was also noteworthy, especially in the second half, as his confident play, strong headers up field and one-on-one battling gave Scottish an edge and neutralized much of the Bosnian playmaking mid-field.

 

 

Bosnia nearly scored however, with a dangerous shot deflecting off the crossbar that appeared to have the keeper beaten at about the 26 minute mark.

 

 

Subsequent to this Scottish quickly returned fire and scored on a well executed play up the middle and along the ground, establishing a 3-0 advantage.  Scottish began to dominate late in the game with another goal at 32 minutes making it 4-nil for the visitors and nearly scored again at the 42 minute mark.

 

 

Tempers began to flare somewhat resulting from some close action near the Scottish goal area at the end of the game - possibly suggesting the presence of some cultural or attitudinal differences between the two teams.