Half-Time Report: Republic of Ireland close in on Euro 2016 spot

The Republic of Ireland are on the verge of qualifying for Euro 2016 after taking a 1-0 lead over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the second leg of their playoff tie this evening.

The hosts made a dominant start to the match and they created the first opening when Robbie Brady's low attempt was turned behind at the near post by Asmir Begovic.

Ireland continued to look more of a threat going forward and they were given the chance to take the lead midway through the first half when a penalty was given after Daryl Murphy's cross had been handled inside the box by Ervin Zukanovic

Jonathan Walters stepped up to take the spot kick and he made no mistake with a composed strike that he rolled into the bottom corner, with Begovic diving the wrong way.

Bosnia looked to fashion an immediate response and Edin Dzeko rifled a low drive from outside the box into the side-netting.

Haris Medunjanin was next to threaten for the visitors, but his volley from the edge of the area failed to cause any problems for Darren Randolph.

The Irish continued to pose a danger at the other end of the pitch and Begovic saw his weak clearance closed down Wes Hoolahan, but the midfielder was penalised for a handball with the goal at his mercy, as his country took their lead into the break.