While the result on the scoreboard says one thing, the hearts of the fans all over Bosnia and Herzegovina say – we are the winners. The small country won hearts all over the planet with its game and cheering. In such a mood, the whole country breathed as one for weeks, and now the continuation of this positive sports story is eagerly awaited.
Three weeks of the fairy tale called the World Cup, with ups and downs, are now behind us. Although the national football team of Bosnia and Herzegovina has finished its story in America, what remains is much bigger than the results. Fans and players breathed as one. Bosnia and Herzegovina presented itself to the whole world in the most beautiful light.
“They are the best diplomatic representatives we have, they seem to be better than official representatives because they have built a very positive public image. All the people I know, and I know a lot of Americans, sing that song Dubioze kolektiv, which is immediately associated with the blue and yellow jerseys. Our impression, our input that we have left in America is extraordinary, our viewership and visibility is enormous, everyone knows about us,” says sociologist Sead Pašić.
Our country’s ambassadors were also fans. Creative props in the recognizable colors of the flag, wholehearted cheering built a strong cult of togetherness, which was recognized by the media around the world.
“Pišu kao o najvećem uspjehu naše reprezentacije u historiji, kao što i jeste. O nečemu što je bilo pozitivno u ove tri sedmice, svi smo disali za tu reprezentaciju. Kada pogledate ulice naših gradova, svi su u dresovima reprezentacije. To je, u stvari, i najveća pobjeda svega ovoga. Kako je došao selektor Sergej Barbarez i direktor Spahić, napravili su, vratili su taj kult reprezentacije, tako kako treba biti i kako je nekada bilo, kada su oni igrali”, naglašava urednik portala SPORT BC Dino Kurbegović.
“What fascinated me was such euphoria, a sense of belonging, something that graced not only Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also Europe and America, where our fans created a pleasant atmosphere and we did not disappoint in this regard, which is commendable,” says former BiH national football player Nermin Šabić.
Zenica also has a special place in this story, the city from which the last step towards the World Cup was made. The Dragon’s Nest was once again the football heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Here, fans don’t lament the result – they celebrate success.
For loyal fans, the most important match is not over. On the contrary, many believe that this is just the beginning of a new sporting story, a story that has united the nation and restored faith in the national team.
