Portugal, runners-up at Euro 2004, are on the verge of achieving their seventh consecutive qualification for a major international tournament.
Their hard-working opponents were 12 minutes away from securing a berth in next year's finals when they led France 1-0 in their final group match, but were sent to the playoffs after the hosts' late equaliser.
A scoring draw or a win at the Luz Stadium on Tuesday would send the Bosnians to their first major tournament as an independent nation.
The Portuguese had a dismal start to their Euro 2012 campaign but coach Paulo Bento revived the team's hopes, earning five straight wins after he took over in September last year.
Still, needing only a draw to finish top of qualifying Group H and avoid the playoffs, they lost 2-1 to Denmark in their last qualifier to end up second.
"All teams go through different cycles and tough moments but we had a good qualifying (campaign), we simply did not grab that one point in Denmark ... now, I believe we will win," Ronaldo said.
Bosnia, meanwhile, were hoping a better pitch would also work in their favour.
"Maybe the Portuguese think we will be easier opponents on a better surface but we won't. The fact is that we are also looking forward to play on a quality pitch," Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko said.
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