Euro 2016 Playoffs: Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Republic of Ireland 1st Leg Score

Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 in the first leg of their Euro 2016 playoff encounter, setting up an intriguing return in Dublin on Monday.

Late goals from Robbie Brady and Edin Dzeko left the sides level after 90 minutes in a game that was tested by incredibly foggy conditions.

The pre-match conversation revolved around the inclusion of Norwich City's Wes Hoolahan, who has not started for Ireland in any of their away matches in the group phase, and sitting one booking away from a suspension. 

The crowd were in a boisterous and vocal mood as the teams marched out to a season of colour, per Bleacher Report UK:

OptaJoe highlighted Ireland's poor record when on foreign shores:

Bosnia and Herzegovina started the match slowly, desperate not to give the Irish any joy on the front foot. The visitors quietened down the crowd with their hard work and application, but the hosts slowly started to get a grip on the game. 

Bosnian journalist Sasa Ibrulj questioned the home team's negative opening:

Amel Emric/Associated Press

The Bosnians soon settled into their preferred passing style as the Irish sat in formation ahead of them. Ireland struggled to retain the ball in the centre of the park, and they slowly began to retreat as the hosts frustrated them.

The Irish worked hard to win back territory, but it was the Bosnians who came closest to scoring. Toni Sunjic's shot smashed into the side netting, with cries raising from the crowd, who thought the ball had hit the back of the net.

The visitors worked hard to keep the score goalless, but tactics blogger Michael Cox identified an issue for Ireland:

Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

Ireland failed to inject a goal threat at any point of the first half and struggled to steal the ball from the home side, who were growing in confidence. 

Coach Martin O'Neill looked concerned in the dugout, but his side remained firm in defence as they figured out how to slow Bosnia's advance.

ESPN's Miguel Delaney was critical of O'Neill's men and their lack of flair:

Ireland appeared prepared to take whatever they could get on the night rather than play an expansive game. Their tactics were to spoil and wait for a breakaway as the Bosnians edged forward from their midfield.

WhoScored.com shared the vital stats at half-time, highlighting Ireland's lack of potency, choosing a prudent and uninspiring approach:

Thick fog descended on the pitch for the start of the second half as fears grew that the game wouldn't be able to be completed under the floodlights. The game became almost unplayable as the conditions at pitchside failed to improve.

Delaney commented on the weather and the need for action by the referee:

Writer Nooruddean Choudry shared an image of the scenes:

Bosnia continued to dominate the ball, but Ireland stuck to their task and dug in. The hosts had lost momentum from the first half due to a mix of the conditions and dogged defending, and Ireland appeared the happier of the sides.

The host's passing style was becoming a hindrance to their chances of winning, as Ireland's two banks of four suffocated the game.

However, the shock of the night arrived with just nine minutes remaining, as Ireland broke away and scored the most unexpected of goals. 

Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

Brady cut inside onto his left, and the attacker smashed his shot home to take the lead.

The goal injected extra urgency into the Bosnians, and it was only three minutes before the hosts grabbed an equaliser. 

Dzeko was the hero of the hour, as he rescued his team. The former Manchester City striker was found unmarked in the middle of the box, and he made sure of his finish.

The spoils were shared at the final whistle, but it will be the Irish who will be delighted with their result. They take a vital away goal into the second leg on Monday and will feel they have one foot in the finals.