The members of the coaching staff and the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, after their sensational qualification for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, addressed the public at a press conference dedicated to the historic victory against Italy in the play-off final. Head coach Sergej Barbarez spoke about his life goal.
Head coach Sergej Barbarez spoke emotionally about the national team’s success and thanked the President of the Football Association, Vico Zeljkovic, for his support, which further motivated the team for a stronger performance in the World Cup group stage.
“I am overjoyed, thrilled, and very emotional. First, I would like to thank my guys, my fighters, my sons; I do not even know what to call them anymore. I tell them every day how much I adore and love them, precisely because of their character. It is not always easy with me, especially with Zlaja, but they accept idea I have. I am truly proud to be their coach,” Barbarez said.
When asked about the national team’s goals at the World Cup, Barbarez admitted through tears, “I am just waiting for June 12, to hear our anthem at the World Cup. That is my life dream.”
Emir Spahić, national team director, also highlighted thesignificance of fan support, as well as President Zeljković’s backing during challenging moments.
“A big thank you goes to the President for his strong support when things were not going well. We all remember the defeat by Germany (7:0), which was very painful, when 70 percent of the people turned their backs on us,” Spahić said, emphasizing the strength of unity that helped the Dragons return to their winning path.
Edin Džeko, the captain, spoke about the injury he sustained in the final minutes of the match against Italy: “Everything happened in the last minute. I could not take the penalty, so someone else took that responsibility. Who knows how it would have ended if I had taken the penalty. Maybe I would have missed it. I hope I will be ready to play in a month and a half,” Džeko said.
The President of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina stated that qualifying for the World Cup is confirmation of systematic work and stability in managing the national team. “This is proof of quality work and discipline inthe previous period, and today’s results speak more than words. We remained united even after tough moments, despite calls for changes in the coaching staff, and that brought us to this result,” Zeljković said.
He stated that the national team will not attend the upcoming competition without ambition. “Our goal is to try to pass the group stage, without putting additional pressure on the players and coaching staff. The Association is trying to avoid mistakes made after qualifying for the 2014 World Cup,” Zeljković said.
He also announced infrastructure projects, including the construction of a new stadium in Zenica in accordance withFIFA and UEFA standards. Regarding bonuses for players, Zeljkovic said that decisions will be made in line with internal regulations.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Group B fixtures: on June 12, they will play against host Canada in Toronto; on June 18, against Switzerland in Inglewood; and on June 24, against Qatar in Seattle.
The match against Italy ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, and following the penalty shootout, the team celebrated a 4-1 victory. The scorers were Tahirović, Tabaković, Alajbegović, and Bajraktarević.
Over tens of thousands of fans gathered last night in front of the Eternal Flame in Sarajevo to celebrate this great success with the players. Sergej Barbarez and Edin Džeko addressed the attendees, expressing gratitude to the fans and the team for their unwavering support.
