Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Cyprus
European Qualifiers – 2018 World Cup
Date: Monday, 10th October 2016
Kick-off: 19:45 UK
Venue: Venue: Bilino Polje, Zenica.
Bosnia and Herzegovina were supposed to give a tough test for the Belgians in the second matchday of the Group H. However, they proved everyone wrong by succumbing to a heavy 4-0 defeat. Edin Dzeko who opened the scoring for Bosnia in each of the last four meetings was a shadow of the player he used to be. A 5-0 win against Estonia on the opening matchday keep Bosnia at third position on the table, while Greece and Belgium are above them with 6 points.
Cyprus fell to a 2-0 defeat at Greece in their second group fixture. They were defeated 3-0 at home on the matchday one and are bottom of the group. The only team below them is Gibraltar who have conceded 2 goals more. Bosnia is a tough opposition, especially when facing them at their own backyard. But Cyprus earned a surprise 2-1 win when they visited Bosnia two years ago.
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Cyprus: Head-to-Head Stats
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus were drawn in the same group for the Euro 2016 qualifiers. Cyprus surprised everyone with a 2-1 win in their visit to Bosnia for the first leg clash on September 2014. Demetris Christofi was the star of the show with goals on either half. Bosnia had a chance to equalize in the final minute, but Miralem Pjanic missed from the penalty spot.
The return leg in Cyprus on October 2015 once again produced a high scoring thriller. The first half alone saw 4 goals and the teams went on to the break at 2-2. However the teams adopted a much more cautious approach in the second half. Bosnia eventually got their win with the help a goal from Milan Djuric in the 67th minute.
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Cyprus: Prediction
Bosnia and Herzegovina are strong team at home and are unbeaten in 9 of their last 10 matches. However, the lone defeat during the period was inflicted by none other than Cyprus. At the same time, the away form of Cyprus is nothing to write about. They lost in 7 of the last 10 away games and are currently on a three match losing streak. The Bosnians will be looking for revenge and they have got what it takes to come out with all three points here.
Head To Head
Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus have each won one and lost one of their two previous meetings.
Stats
75% of Cyprus' last eight away games have seen Over 2.5 Goals, as have 67% of Bosnia-Herzegovina's last six at home.
Team News
Asmir Begovic is a key figure between the sticks, with other big names including captain Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic, Senad Lulic, and Milan Duric. Midfielder Mato Jajalo is hoping to appear again after making his debut on Friday.
Juventus teenager Grigoris Kastanos is Cyprus' main hope for the years to come, whilst 35 year old captain Constantinos Charalambides is at the other end of the spectrum in midfield. The midfielder is also the top scorer, with striker Demetris Christofi having just six goals in his 38 appearances. Nestor Mytides could lead the line in their 4-2-3-1 formation again.
