Under-19: Grandoni strike not enough as Bosnia win opener

First outing for the San Marino Under-19 National Team, who this afternoon in Dogana made their debut in Group B2 of Round 2 of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers. Lining up against coach Dario Vanni’s boys were Bosnia and Herzegovina. After just a few minutes, the Biancazzurri carved out a good chance with a teasing free-kick from Molinari that missed Stefani by just a matter of centimetres. The Balkan side grew into the game without, however, creating anything truly significant. In the 27th minute, though, Jelić’s driven delivery made its way into the area and found Šunjić who, despite a less-than-ideal first touch, managed to force his way past Terni before beating Bucci. The San Marino goalkeeper was then alert to two further flashes from the visitors, particularly when he stretched superbly to tip away Vrban’s effort from distance. The duel was renewed in the 39th minute but Bucci again came out on top with an excellent save to deny the Balkan midfielder. A mistake in the build-up by Dizdarević opened the door for Canarezza, who struck well from outside the box but Banjić was equal to it and held on. Bosnia pushed at the end of the half but without reward, and the sides went into the break with the visitors holding a slender lead.

The second half, however, began in the worst possible way for Vanni’s Titani. Bosnia doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute thanks to Dragović, who unleashed a stunning right-footed strike from long range, leaving Bucci with no chance. That wonder goal fired up Obad’s side who, shortly afterwards (57’), saw Vrban blaze over from an excellent position when a third goal seemed on the cards. The Titani, though, refused to give in and on 59 minutes they were back in the game. The move developed down the left, a ricochet in the area fell kindly for Grandoni, who, just outside the six-yard box, powered a first-time shot that went through Banjić’s hands. The score was now 2-1. Bosnia tried to reassert control but the Titani held firm. In the 71st minute, however, the match swung again: a ball over the top from the back picked out Dragović, who brought it down and then collided with Bucci. Swiss referee Wolfensberger had no doubts and pointed to the spot: it was a penalty. Šunjić stepped up and made no mistake, completing his brace. Despite restoring their two-goal cushion, Bosnia were not done and in the 77th minute it took a superb reflex save from Bucci to deny Raguž and keep the Titani alive. The San Marino keeper did even better in the 82nd minute, producing another fine stop from Dragović’s strike from outside the box to prevent the visitors from adding to their tally. Shortly afterwards, things went from bad to worse for the Titani when contact between Pala and Morankić was deemed illegal by the referee, who showed a straight red card to the young San Marino defender. It was not a good spell for Vanni’s side, and in the 87th minute the referee pointed to the spot for a second time after a soft coming together between Montali – later booked – and Raguž. Dragović converted and, like his team-mate, completed his brace. That was the goal that effectively killed the game off. Bosnia ran out 4-1 winners. In the standings Obad’s side are level on maximum points with Denmark, who won the morning fixture, also in Dogana, against Georgia. It was a goal-filled contest: the Scandinavians raced into a 3-0 lead inside the first half-hour, Mikautadze pulled one back from the spot for Georgia, but the decisive surge came in the second half in favour of the Scandinavians, who prevailed 5-2. The second matchday of the mini-tournament is scheduled for Saturday 14 November, with San Marino once again in action in Dogana at 16:30, this time against Denmark.

Euro U-19, Round 2 – Group B2, Matchday 1 | Bosnia and Herzegovina – San Marino 4-1

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (4-4-2)

Banjić; Dimitrić (90’ Bošnjak), Hadzimuratovic, Dizdarević, Jelić; Dragović, Vrban (77’ Mustafić), Vulin (77’ Morankić), Savić; Šunjić (90’ Hrustanović), Ramić (65’ Raguž)

Substitutes: Mujanić, Raščić, Knežević,

Head coach: Damir Obad

SAN MARINO (4-3-3)

Bucci; Pala, Sammaritani, Montali, Terni; Valentini (90+1’ Colombini), Stefani (88’ Podeschi), Molinari (65’ Raschi); Bucchi (88’ Cangini), Grandoni, Canarezza (88’ Balsimelli)

Substitutes: Cenci, Cervellini

Head coach: Dario Vanni

Referee: Sven Wolfensberger (SUI)

Assistant referees: Christophe Loureiro (SUI), Alexey Dolgikh (KAZ)

Fourth official: Bulat Sariyev (KAZ)

Booked: Bucci, Bucchi, Montali, Morankić

Scorers: 27’ and 73’ (p) Šunjić, 53’ and 88’ (p) Dragović, 59’ Grandoni

Sent off: 84’ Pala