The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team will play Austria in a decisive match for World Cup qualification tonight in Vienna.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team secured second place and a play-off spot with a win over Romania, and tonight at the Ernst Happel Stadium they will try to beat their direct competitor and group leader and for the second time in history secure a place in the competition of the world’s best national teams.
Head coach Sergej Barbarez will not be able to count on several regular players tonight due to yellow cards, but the encouraging news is that Sturm player Emir Karić has earned the right to play.
“This time too, we are missing seven players who could make the squad, just like we did against Romania. It doesn’t matter for a second, because we are concentrating on these guys. It is important to me that these guys are with us and that they refused to return to their clubs and stayed with us,” said Barbarez.
He emphasizes that he “dreamed” of this outcome of the situation in the group.
“I enjoy watching these guys. I am really proud of who we have gathered and what kind of characters we have. I hope that tomorrow we will realize our dream,” added Barbarez, emphasizing that all the players are ready.
Goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj expects a difficult game, but emphasizes that the players must remain calm despite the great euphoria.
“We all know how important this game is. The approach should be the same as in the last game. For us, this is the final,” said Vasilj.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina – Austria match is scheduled for 20:45. The referee will be João Pinheiro from Portugal, assisted by compatriots Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia. The fourth official is Cláudio Pereira, while in the VAR room are Tiago Martins and Helder Malheiro, all from Portugal.
