BiH will welcome Greece next week for a crucial 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifier, reports FIFA.com
The pair’s latest match in Greece ended in a 0-0 stalemate in a qualifier for Brazil 2014 last October, but it was a result with which the Bosnians were left content, having secured a first point against their rivals in a major competition. Leading Greece at the group summit on goal difference, Bosnia-Herzegovina are now looking to strengthen their grip on the section with a maiden victory in the return, with skipper Zvjezdan Misimović confident of upstaging the familiar foes this time around.
“It is truly a crucial match for us,” the 30-year-old midfielder told FIFA.com in a recent exclusive interview, “Greece are key contenders alongside Slovakia in our group and they are a team we want to defeat most. A home win against them will definitely boost our confidence as well as our qualifying hopes. I can’t wait for the game.”
“We have a good group, or in fact, it couldn’t be better,” continued the German-born player, who is his country’s second highest goal-scorer with 25 international goals. “There are top-quality players in our team and with the strong support from our fans as well as the FA, our chances of qualifying for our first World Cup is great.”
It is little wonder that Misimović is in confident mood, considering his eye-catching showings during their campaign for Brazil 2014 thus far. Misimović was twice on target as they routed Liechtenstein 8-1 in the qualifying opener last September, before grabbing another brace in their 4-1 thrashing of Latvia.
While paying tribute to the whole team for their amazing run so far, Misimović singled out Manchester City forward Edin Džeko for his inspiring display.
“Our star players have done their job well and especially Džeko,” he said of the team’s top-scorer, who completed a treble against Liechtenstein and most recently had a hand in two goals as they hammered Lithuania 3-0. “He is a good goal-getter and I believe he can help the team go through to Brazil 2014.”
Despite faith in the team, Misimović is aware that the rest of the campaign will be far from easy. Having bowed out in their first three FIFA World Cup bids, they came so close on the road to South Africa 2010, progressing to the play-off only to be edged out by Portugal 2-0 on aggregate. To prevent the agony repeating itself, Bosnia-Herzegovina must, says Misimović, focus on winning each game to progress as group winners.
