Despite of ending the match without any points, the Dragons through their performance sent a stern warning to their counterparts. Bosnia were for most part of the game able to match Argentina toe to toe. They were unlucky to concede an early goal as Sead Kolasinac buried the ball in his own net to give Alejandro Sabella’s side a lead. However change of tactics in the second half gave Lionel Messi more freedom to operate who made full use of the opportunity to put the tie beyond Bosnia’s reach.
Substitute Vedad Ibisevic did score a goal for the Golden Lilies but it was too late to surge any kind of a comeback and the match ended in Argentina’s favor. However their opening match against Argentina was probably their only difficult match and if they continue to play with the same zeal and intensity, Bosnia can easily qualify to the next round.
Argentina are favorites of making it to the next round from Group F and will most probably finish top of the table. Nigeria’s draw against Iran in their first match of the tournament means that any of the three remaining teams can secure qualification to the next round.
Nigeria were held to a 0-0 draw in their first match and going by their performance they will find it very difficult to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina. Despite of being the African champions, Nigeria do not have a player of the caliber of Lionel Messi and can struggle against a very disciplined Bosnian defence.
Bosnian coach Safet Susic further declared that the world is yet to see his team play with complete freedom and warned the other teams that there is much more to come from his side. He also hoped for an Argentina victory in the remaining two matches which will enhance Bosnia’s chances of making it to the next round.
"We haven't shown everything we are capable of yet," Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Safet Susic said.
"I hope that Argentina will win their other two games, because if they do then the second spot will be between Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia . I am convinced that we still have everything to play for."
The head coach is also expected to bring back Bosnia’s only World Cup scorer Vedad Ibisevic into the starting lineup. The 29 year old who plays his trade at VfB Stuttgart, is set to partner Manchester City star Edin Dzeko upfront, a tactic which worked very well for the Dragons during the World Cup Qualification campaign as they scored an incredible 30 goals in just 10 games.
Despite the fact that it is only their first World Cup campaign, Bosnia do have a number of star players who are important first team members in some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Their captain Emir Spahic is one of the players who can surely inspire Bosnia to a successfully tournament.
The 34 year old enjoyed a productive season with his club Bayer Leverkusen and was one of his team’s most consistent performers. Spahic played in all 10 matches during the World Cup Qualifiers for Bosnia and in his presence the national side conceded just six goals.
Asmir Begovic is one of the most sought after and talented goalkeepers in the English Premier League. His performances have granted him the undisputed number one spot not just in the Bosnian team but also at his club Stoke City. The 26 year old will have to maintain consistency if Bosnia are to achieve anything in their debut World Cup.
Roma’s little prince Miralem Pjanic has made quite an impression after an incredible season with his club. The 24 year old playmaker has established a reputation of being an expert free kick taker and apart from being a provider, the youngster has this season also added a number of goals to his name which bodes well for his country..jpg?q=75&w=634)
However Bosnia’s biggest star player is Man City striker Edin Dzeko who after a successful season with his club will be looking to make waves in the World Cup. The 28 year old registered 26 goals for the Citizens and continued his good form for the national side scoring 10 goals in the qualification campaign one less than Europe’s leading scorer in the qualifiers, Robin Van Persie.
For a country which has seen a lot of bad days, participation in the World Cup is definitely very refreshing. The Bosnian players have done their nation proud by qualifying for the World Cup and if they can make it to the next round, that would be an icing on the cake.
