Katanec's new strategy with only three defenders did not prove successful, but Slovenia demonstrated fighting spirit and more courage than under the previous coach and had some excellent opportunities.

Slovenia came closest to the goal in the 17th minute through forward Valter Birsa.

The conditions were tough with snow persisting throughout the game, making the already soaking wet field even worse.

Slovenia's defence was tight in the first half an hour, allowing only one goal attempt through Miralem Pjanić in the 12th minute, but goalkeeper Samir Handanović was on hand to stop the ball.

But confusion in the heart of Slovenia's defence in the 33rd minute allowed Pjanić to pass to Vedad Ibišević, who scored from close range to take Bosnia into the lead.

Eight minutes later the away team scored another goal as Slovenia left Pijanić alone on the brink of the penalty area to kick the ball into the bottom left corner.

Both teams had quite a few opportunities at the beginning of the second half. After a few replacements in both teams, Bosnia scored again in the 66th minute through Ervin Zukanović, but from offside, so the result stayed 0:2.

Mišo Brečko made a shoddy attempt to score for Slovenia in the 71st minute, and another header attempt by Robert Berić in the 80th was promptly defended by Asmir Begović.

One minute later Muamer Svraka sealed Bosnia's victory at 3:0.

Slovenia will take on Iceland at home on 22 March as qualifying resumes for the World Cup.