Republic of Ireland 1-0 Bosnia & Herzegovina

By Pascal Lemesre, Football League Editor | 26 May 2012

Shane Long's header 12 minutes from time gives the Republic of Ireland a winning start to their preparation for Euro 2012 at the Aviva Stadium.

The Republic of Ireland have made a winning start to their preparation for next month's European Championships by edging out Bosnia & Herzegovina at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon.

Vedad Ibisevic almost put the visitors ahead after 10 minutes when he just missed Edin Dzeko's centre, with Zvjezdan Misimovic blazing the rebound over.

Glenn Whelan saw claims for a penalty turned down when Asmir Begovic seemed to fell him in the area, while at the other Misimovic also had a handball shout dismissed.

Ireland almost had the lead moments before the half-time whistle when Robbie Keane held the ball up inside the area before flicking to Damien Duff with the outside of his boot. Duff got to the ball before Begovic but couldn't beat the Stoke City man from six yards.

After the break Aidan McGeady hit the woodwork with a volley from Kevin Doyle's header as the home side pushed for an opener.

Roma's Miralem Pjanic almost equalised when his 25-yard free kick beat the wall but not Keiron Westwood, who tipped over acrobatically.

With 15 minutes remaining Ireland again hit the upright when Jonathan Walters could only head McGeady's cross against the bar.

Giovanni Trapattoni's men did have the lead minutes later when Shane Long did what Walters couldn't do by heading home a McGeady delivery.

Walters had another clear-cut chance to make it two after being put through one-on-one but couldn't beat Begovic.

Bosnia almost found a leveller with three minutes remaining but Mehmed Alispahic slid wide after breaking clear.