After eight years of near misses, Bosnia are finally on the cusp of securing a berth in next year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil which is something to say for a side that is rather lacking in depth.
Since gaining independence back in 1992, the Bosnian national team has never been able to qualify for a major football tournament. After those near misses in the playoffs against Portugal, now is perhaps the biggest chance for the team to finally seal qualification for a major tournament.
On Tuesday, Safet Susit would be hoping that his side does not fall off the pace in their final qualification game against Lithuania, a team they are very much likely to beat. Four years ago, Bosnian dreams were dashed by Portugal in the playoffs. This time around however, it is their biggest opportunity to finally become part of a major football tournament, which will be quite a phenomenal achievement for a side that is still relatively new to FIFA.
The task for doing that has become easier thanks to their opponents Lithuania who they beat 3-0 in the reverse fixture back in October last year in Zenica.
The Bosnians have been on fire throughout the qualification process. Aware of the lack of depth, Susic has gone about his business in a very bold fashion. This Bosnian side is hell-bent on playing attacking football which is the biggest reason why they are level on points with Greece (a traditionally lowscoring side) but have a superior goal difference.
In nine qualification games, Edin Dzeko and co have scored 29 goals which is a tally that has been bettered only by Germany and Netherlands, two sides that are seasoned participants in mega events. While they might lack the standout household names of European football, there is a growing feeling that this qualification could be exactly the kind of thing that propels Bosnian football to new heights.
Another thing that should be taken into account is that even though a trip to Brazil is on the horizon, there is still quite a lot of room for improvement in the side. Safet Susic has a talented squad at his disposal and players who have the ability to turn things around.
Some bit of luck was also involved in the Bosnian qualification process. Pitted in group G with the likes of Latvia, Lithuania and Liechtenstein, it would have been rather shocking to see the team huff and puff its way along. However, it was the games against Greece and Slovakia that have taught people a thing or two about Bosnia.
Defeat to Slovakia at home last month showed that Safet Susic will have to work on his side’s defensive frailties which will most likely be exposed when the World Cup action kicks off next year.
Though the team’s attacking qualities cannot be doubted, it would be quite over optimistic to see the team go the distance in the World Cup next year.
On Tuesday, Safet Susit would be hoping that his side does not fall off the pace in their final qualification game against Lithuania, a team they are very much likely to beat. Four years ago, Bosnian dreams were dashed by Portugal in the playoffs. This time around however, it is their biggest opportunity to finally become part of a major football tournament, which will be quite a phenomenal achievement for a side that is still relatively new to FIFA.
The task for doing that has become easier thanks to their opponents Lithuania who they beat 3-0 in the reverse fixture back in October last year in Zenica.
The Bosnians have been on fire throughout the qualification process. Aware of the lack of depth, Susic has gone about his business in a very bold fashion. This Bosnian side is hell-bent on playing attacking football which is the biggest reason why they are level on points with Greece (a traditionally lowscoring side) but have a superior goal difference.
In nine qualification games, Edin Dzeko and co have scored 29 goals which is a tally that has been bettered only by Germany and Netherlands, two sides that are seasoned participants in mega events. While they might lack the standout household names of European football, there is a growing feeling that this qualification could be exactly the kind of thing that propels Bosnian football to new heights.
Another thing that should be taken into account is that even though a trip to Brazil is on the horizon, there is still quite a lot of room for improvement in the side. Safet Susic has a talented squad at his disposal and players who have the ability to turn things around.
Some bit of luck was also involved in the Bosnian qualification process. Pitted in group G with the likes of Latvia, Lithuania and Liechtenstein, it would have been rather shocking to see the team huff and puff its way along. However, it was the games against Greece and Slovakia that have taught people a thing or two about Bosnia.
Defeat to Slovakia at home last month showed that Safet Susic will have to work on his side’s defensive frailties which will most likely be exposed when the World Cup action kicks off next year.
Though the team’s attacking qualities cannot be doubted, it would be quite over optimistic to see the team go the distance in the World Cup next year.
