Under-15: superb Bajić leads Bosnia in opener against San Marino

Bosnia and Herzegovina proved the stronger side in their opening match at the Under-15 Development Tournament organised in Albania. There was an early exchange of blows, with a free-kick sent over by Ćulum’s boys and a move from Monaldi – who drove into the penalty area, his cross being deflected by a defender and effectively setting the ball up for Škobić to come out and gather, albeit a little awkwardly. Bosnia and Herzegovina struck in the 8th minute through Bajić, finishing off a counter-attack. Their second was denied by the crossbar following a corner, with Michelotti called into action on that occasion. Just beforehand the San Marino defence had closed down Bajić very well, after he had been picked out by a powerful run from Leto. San Marino tried to get back into the game through good work from Montebelli, who was however flagged offside after finding space in the heart of the area. Earlier, a move by Augusto Ceccoli had earned a dangerous free-kick, which San Marino worked with a set play to free up Monaldi for a shot – but his effort was off target. The best opportunity for the Biancazzurrini came on 36 minutes, with Angelini getting a shot away, which Škobić held. Then, on 41 minutes, came Bosnia’s second: once again Bajić, making the most of excellent work by Dujaković – both in the build-up and with a dummy in the middle of the area – to complete his brace. After Alilović struck the post late in the half, Bosnia and Herzegovina added a third after the restart. On 50 minutes it was Bajić on the scoresheet yet again, using his physical strength to carve out space in the box and beat the goalkeeper. Michelotti, the San Marino keeper, was crucial with his feet to deny Milijević, who would make amends in the 75th minute – released on the counter to make it 4-0. San Marino had also relied on Michelotti’s reflexes shortly beforehand, when the goalkeeper thwarted a four-on-one counter-attack by Karačić with a top-class save. Deep into added time, Veizaj awarded a penalty to Ćulum’s side, who sealed the 5-0 final score through Dreca. On that occasion, Michelotti did get a glove to the left-footed effort from the opposing midfielder, but could not divert the ball away from goal. The Biancazzurrini will be back in action on Friday at 11:00 against hosts Albania, who in the afternoon defeated their Faroe Islands counterparts 4-1. The match, like all those in the tournament, is available live and free on the Albanian Football Association (FSHF) YouTube channel.

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Under-15 Development Tournament, Matchday 1 | San Marino-Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-5 SAN MARINO Michelotti, Angelini (46' Testoni), Aureli (59' Baggiarini), A. Ceccoli (70' Gasperoni), Della Balda (65' Frulli), Mazza (59' Amati), Monaldi (46' Renzi), Montali (46' M. Ceccoli), Montebelli (46' Lepri), Piergiacomi, Prendi Coach: Dario Vanni   BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Škobić (55' Baroš), Topić (46' Hrkać), Begunić (55' Dahija), Leto (65' Karačić), Bajić (55' Milijević), Dujaković (46' Dreca), Mujkić, Berhamović, Serdarević (30' Vasiljević), Vučkovac (46' Hodžić), Alilović Substitute: Alagić Coach: Čedomir Ćulum   Referee: Veizaj (ALB) Assistant referees: Mile (ALB) and Bregasi (ALB) Fourth official: Kusta (ALB) Scorers: 16', 42', 51' Bajić, 62' Milijević, 90+2' (p) Dreca

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