Republic of Ireland denied Euro 2016 play-off victory in Bosnia as England slump to Spain defeat

An equaliser from Edin Dzeko denied the Republic of Ireland victory in the first leg of their Euro 2016 qualifying play-off tie against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 13 November. After a turgid opening at the Stadion Bilino Polje in Zenica, an eerie thick fog descended in the second half and Robbie Brady looked to have secured a priceless away win for Martin O'Neill's side as he fired home a deflected effort from inside the box with just eight minutes remaining.

Unfortunately for Ireland, their lead was shortlived and the hosts were back on level terms within three minutes as a clever ball inside the right channel deceived substitute James McClean and allowed captain Dzeko to peel away from Richard Keogh and bundle home a low cross. The second leg takes place in Dublin on Monday night.

In Alicante, meanwhile, England were handed something of a reality check as they followed their flawless Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez. On the backfoot for much of the evening, the visitors fell behind in the 72nd-minute courtesy of a stunning acrobatic volley from Villarreal right-back Mario Gaspar that owed much to a delightful chip from Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas.

England did little to threaten Iker Casillas' goal throughout the 90 minutes and the disappointing defeat was sealed when Santi Cazorla curled a lovely left-footed effort beyond Joe Hart.

Elsewhere in friendlies involving home nations, a Wales team lacking Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey lost to the Netherlands in an exciting five-goal thriller in Cardiff. Striker Bas Dost edged the Dutch, who have not qualified for next summer's European Championships, in front and Arjen Robben notched a second-half brace to secure victory after Joe Ledley and Emyr Huws looked to have earned the Welsh a draw.

Northern Ireland were also in action, winning their first friendly in 23 attempts against Latvia at Windsor Park courtesy of a second-half strike from Steven Davis.