Bosnia and Herzegovina will be playing in the World Cup finals for the first time. Nick Hext considers their prospects.
Friday 6 June 2014 15:51, UK
Bosnia and Herzegovina have qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time. That has already made the squad heroes but the journey is a long way from over.
Bosnia's place in Brazil was secured in a thrilling race for top spot in European Qualifying Group G. They finished ahead of Greece only on goal difference thanks to a 1-0 victory over Lithuania in their final match.
There are reasons to be confident of their chances of making an impact. Premier League followers know all about Asmir Begovic's quality in goal for Stoke, playmaker Miralem Pjanic has enjoyed an impressive campaign for much-improved Roma and Edin Dzeko leads the line with quality. Bosnia could spring a surprise.
Bosnia and Herzegovina's Group F fixtures
Coach: Safet Susic
Susic is a hero in Bosnia after he guided his homeland to the World Cup finals for the first time. He previously took them to the verge of qualification for Euro 2012 but defeat to Portugal in the play-offs put paid to that dream. His playing career saw him take on legendary status at Paris Saint-Germain and perform at the 1982 and 1990 World Cup finals for Yugoslavia.
Star man: Edin Dzeko
The Manchester City striker is one of the main reasons Bosnia will be playing in Brazil this summer after netting 10 goals in 10 games during qualifying. This made him the second top scorer in the European section and his partnership with Vedad Ibisevic continues to be key to his nation's chances. The 28-year-old has enjoyed Capital One Cup success with Manchester City this season but continues to be linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium. Impressing in the World Cup can only increase his standing.
Tournament best: First time qualifiers.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka), Jasmin Fejzic (VFR Aalen).
Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Lugansk), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor), Ervin Zukanovic (Gent), Ermin Bicakcic (Eintracht Braunschweig), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros)
Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor), Senad Lulic (Lazio), Anel Hadzic (Sturm), Tino Susic (Hajduk), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhour Renhe), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor), Avdija Vrsaljevic (Hajduk)
Forwards: Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Edin Visca (Istanbul BB)
British based players: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City) and Edin Dzeko (Manchester City).
Sky Bet odds: 150/1
World Cup debutants Bosnia are odds-on shots to qualify alongside Argentina from Group F. The Dragons qualified on goal difference in their final match and are 5/4 shots to finish as runners-up to Argentina. Vedad Ibisevic, who scored the decisive goal that secured their place in the finals, is a 7/2 shot to finish as his country's top scorer with Manchester City's Edin Dzeko a 6/4 shot.
