Bosnia wants to stop being underdogs and face Switzerland on an equal footing
Bosnia and Herzegovina are trying to shake off their image as underdogs in the World Cup and seek recognition after a campaign that has already surprised traditional opponents. Defender Nikola Katic stated that the team is still underrated ahead of the clash against Switzerland.
Even after eliminating four-time world champions Italy and favorites Wales in the qualifying play-offs, as well as snatching a 1-1 draw against hosts Canada in the tournament's opener, Bosnia still feels they haven't received the respect they expected.
"After that victory (against Italy), we didn't get the respect we deserved, because the narrative was more about a bad Italy than a good Bosnia," said Katic, referring to his post-match comments.
Coach Sergej Barbarez reinforced that the team will not enter the field against Switzerland thinking only about defending themselves or seeking a draw. The goal, according to him, is to win three points.
"We're going on the field to look for victory," said Barbarez, a former prominent player for the German national team and football in the 1990s and 2000s.
In charge of the national team since 2024, the coach reformulated the squad and made more than a dozen changes, mixing experienced players with young athletes. For him, the draw against Canada in the debut brought confidence to the group, especially for facing a host team in the first game.
"Of course there was a certain amount of anxiety, but I would say it was more excitement," he said.
The result against Canada showed a team organized defensively and capable of competing against opponents with a more offensive style. Now, Barbarez and Katic say that the priority will be to maintain their own identity against Switzerland, without changing their strategy because of their rival.
The team's main reference is striker Edin Dzeko, 40 years old, who is probably playing his last World Cup. The greatest scorer in the history of the national team, the veteran will be a fundamental piece in Bosnia's offensive system.
With a strong defense and a focus on quick counterattacks, Dzeko's precision in front of goal could be decisive for the team's ambitions in the tournament.
Katic highlighted the importance of the striker for the group. According to him, there are no words to explain Dzeko's impact on the field, in training and off.
Barbarez, however, did not reveal whether the captain will start against Switzerland.
During the interview, journalists returned several times to the triumph over Italy - one of the team's greatest recent achievements. Bosnia won 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 extra-time draw.
"It's one of those games that will stay in our memory forever," said Barbarez.
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Source: CNN