Martin O'Neill's team took a big step towards qualification with a vital away draw in Zenica on Friday night.
Although the second half was somewhat obscured by the inclement weather conditions, the two goals came in that period as Ireland scored first through Robbie Brady, only for Edin Dzeko to level just minutes later.
Here's how the players from the Irish team got on this evening as they went about securing a great result.
Darren Randolph: 7
Wasn't really at fault for the goal, but possibly could have been positioned a little bit better all the same. Still, was solid and was alert to a number of dangerous chances even during some very thick fog.
Darren Randolph using his "fog vision" powers to avert disaster here #IREvBOS https://t.co/4oD5Oglee3 pic.twitter.com/KQVAwDQ9E1
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) November 13, 2015
Seamus Coleman: 7
Telling that he didn't get a whole lot of attacks coming down his side, partly because they were targeting the other wing, but also because he was strong in his defensive duties. Again one of Ireland's most important players.
Ciaran Clark: 7
Clark was strong in the tackle and set out his stall with a crunching hit in the first half, leaving the Bosnian front line in no doubt that they were in for a long night. Solid throughout.
That's what you might call a crunching tackle #IREvBOS #COYBIG https://t.co/4oD5Oglee3 pic.twitter.com/XDpMT416JG
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) November 13, 2015
Richard Keogh: 8
Was an important presence at the start of the game to settle nerves and impose himself on Dzeko, as well as leading the backline in the absence of John O'Shea. With a difficult return leg and O'Shea's fitness in doubt, made a strong case to keep his place.
Stephen Ward: 5
Got a silly booking in the first half for a pull back that he really didn't need to make, which could have left Ireland in trouble if he'd been sent off. Clearly targeted, along with Brady, on his side of the pitch, he was exposed several times as Bosnia got to the line and cut the ball back into the box. Luck played a large part in the fact that more goals didn't come from those efforts.
Glenn Whelan: 7
Hit a wayward shot early in the second half which was the extent of his attacking play, but was solid and dependable in the middle of the field in snuffing out a number of Bosnian attacks alongside McCarthy. Was an incredibly strong passer of the ball, with a completion percentage of 81%, showing why he's so highly valued in the setup.
James McCarthy: 6
While the conversation still seems to be that he could play further up the field, that really doesn't seem to be his strength. Can definitely do more to control a game, but perhaps with Hoolahan very isolated, McCarthy also slightly suffered, as did Hendrick, as they failed to find any sort of rhythm.
Image: ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
Jeff Hendrick: 6
Failed to really impose himself on the game at all, but didn't do anything noticeably wrong. Much like the rest of the Irish midfield, cut a bit of a frustrated figure at times but did his defensive work well.
Wes Hoolahan: 5
Completely isolated, he was only able to complete eight of his 14 passes on the evening. He was brought off early in the second half and really couldn't influence the game at all. Not helped by Ireland lumping it long in the first half, but didn't have his best night in a green (white) jersey.
Robbie Brady: 8
Image: ©Inpho/Donall Farmer
His defensive skills were put to the test in the first half as Bosnia repeatedly came down his flank, attempting to expose both him and Ward who had been identified as the weak links. He moved into the centre towards the end and got just rewards for his efforts with a goal, and there may be something to learn from that for O'Neill.
Daryl Murphy: 6
His was a very unenviable task for the entire game as he tried to make the best of some terrible service which consisted of essentially long balls to nowhere as Ireland tried to clear the ball. That was not really his fault, more a commentary on the plan to lump it up to him which yielded little, something that's backed up by the fact that he almost always found another team-mate when he did get on the ball, with a 93% pass completion rate.
James McClean: 6
Came on early in the second half and brought the usual hustle and bustle that's associated with his game. However, he switched off and lost his man for the goal, and while it's certainly not his fault, perhaps a bit more alertness on his part could have prevented it.
Marc Wilson: 6
Wilson came on to replace a tiring Ward, and was solid without having any outstanding moments, good or bad.
Aiden McGeady: Not on long enough to be rated
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