Bosnians put eight past Liechtenstein
© AFP
Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic scored a hat-trick apiece as Bosnia-Herzegovina thrashedLiechtenstein in their opening 2014 FIFA World Cup™ qualification match.
Bosnia-Herzegovina midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic scored twice in five minutes before Ibisevic netted two goals as the visitors took a comfortable four-goal lead at the half.
Their domination continued after the break when Manchester City forward Dzeko fired in a hat-trick before strike partner Ibisevic sealed his own three-goal effort from inside the six-yard box with seven minutes left on the clock.
Substitute striker Mathias Christen at least ensured Liechtenstein got on the scoresheet in the 61st minute, scoring at the second attempt after Bosnia-Herzegovina and Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic failed to block his initial shot.
It was a much-improved performance by Bosnia against the European minnows after they failed to qualify for this year's UEFA EURO in a play-off against Portugal.
Misimovic broke the deadlock in the 26th minute after a quiet opening period but then the floodgates opened, with Liechtenstein unable to stem the tide in a dominant performance by Safet Susic's side.