The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team arrived in Sarajevo today after defeating Wales in Cardiff and qualifying for the World Cup play-off final.
Upon arrival at Sarajevo Airport, coach Sergej Barbarez told reporters that he was happy that they had five days between the two matches and that the players would have the opportunity to rest a bit after the exhausting match.
In the final match, the BiH national team will face multiple world champions Italy on Tuesday in Zenica.
“A great team and a great challenge for us. But if we want to go to the World Cup, we have to try to overcome such things. We have to play even better than in Wales, but in terms of willpower and pride, we believe in success. All the players will be ready, everyone has a great desire to play. You work for two years for this one match. For me, this may be the first real final for us,” said Barbarez, Fena reports.
He hopes that the team will qualify for the World Cup, but also that the goal is to play regularly in major competitions.
“Our goal is to play in every tournament and raise the level of the national team and I hope that we will succeed in that. When it comes to the match with Italy, we are playing at home, and I said that if we get through Wales, anyone can come, we will do our best,” said the coach.
Ermedin Demirović missed several opportunities in yesterday’s match, and did not use a penalty kick. However, he emphasizes that the support of his teammates means a lot to him.
“I was not lucky, I did not play a single match, but I noticed that everyone is behind me and that will give me strength for Tuesday. I will do my best to score a goal against Italy,” said Demirović.
Nikola Katić played an excellent role in defense.
“A big step for us. The first step has been taken, let’s make that last leap. Italy is one of the best teams, but we know our qualities, we will do our best,” said Katić.
Sergej Barbarez’s team secured a place in the World Cup play-off final last night, March 26th.
The Dragons will immediately start preparations for the upcoming match against Italy, given that it will be played on Tuesday, March 31st at the Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica.
