European Qualifier: Bosnia held to a 1-1 draw at home to Belgium

Bosnia remained without a victory in Group B after three European Qualifiers following a 1-1 draw at home to Belgium.

The result was no disgrace against one of Europe's most exciting teams but, after losing to Cyprus and drawing with Wales, it did not help Bosnia's hopes of qualification.

The hosts took the lead in the 28th minute through Edin Dzeko but an uncharacteristic mistake from the busy Asmir Begovic in the 51st minute allowed Radja Nainggolan to equalise.

Belgium had three good efforts on goal inside the first 10 minutes but were unable to find the breakthrough.

Steven Defour shot just wide while the first of Begovic's saves came in the seventh minute when Eden Hazard's cross was flicked towards goal by Divock Origi.

Hazard did it all himself two minutes later, beating his defender three times before seeing a shot saved by Begovic's legs.

Having weathered the early storm, Bosnia began to offer more threat of their own and Tino-Sven Susic shot over the bar in the 25th minute.

Three minutes later they took the lead when, at the end of a delightful move, Miralem Pjanic pulled the ball back for Dzeko, who struck decisively beyond Thibaut Courtois.

Begovic was the key man as Bosnia ended the first half on top, the Stoke keeper saving from Jan Vertonghen, Defour, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.

Begovic should have saved Nainggolan's shot as well six minutes after half-time but instead it bounced through his hands and into the net for the equaliser.

Bosnia responded well and had two great chances to retake the lead.

First Pjanic jinked his way past Courtois but was denied by Vincent Kompany, and then Dzeko's powerful header was superbly tipped over the bar by the Belgium keeper.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the latter stages, with Belgium substitute Dries Mertens going closest with a shot just wide.