Bosnia’s First World Cup

Bosnia-Herzegovina will take part in their first ever World Cup when the tournament kicks off in June. Bosnia-Herzegovina had an outstanding campaign on the highway to Brazil 2014, winning 8 of their 10 matches, drawing and losing just once. The only team playing in their first World Cup, Bosnia-Herzegovina are frequently backed to reach the last 16. For Bosnia to reach the World Cup is a landmark moment for not just it's football, but for the country as a whole.

After a devastating war in the early 90's, Bosnia and Herzegovina played its first national game in 1995 against Albania, losing 2-0 in Tirana. It was a special day for the whole nation and several high-profile players contributed to the game. Bosnia suffered many problems during the first few years of recovery, among all the fact that the country was divided and destroyed from the inside by nationalism, fascism and many other –schisms. It took nearly 20 years for the country to reach its first big competition; in 2014 they will enter the FIFA World cup in Brazil.

It was not milk and honey for the Bosnian sport. Despite the fact that the facilities were destroyed, Bosnia relied in the beginnings on foreign force, as many players enjoyed some careers in minor Austria, German or Czech clubs. This allowed the nation to slowly enter some friendly matches and compete in the qualifications. Bosnian first major recognition in the world of football came in the qualification for the 1998 World cup, when they defeated Denmark 3-0.

The forthcoming period was much average for the Bosnian squad, as the club tried to fight their way to fourth pot in the European draw. The lack of quality players was the major issue and the fact that many Croatian or Serbian Bosnian-born players decided to purse their career outside of their native country. Bit by bit, under coaches like Fuad Muzurović, Faruk Hadžibegić or Blaž Slišković, Bosnia tried to attract players to play for Bosnia and Herzegovina and there contribute to the team’s depth . In the next several years, under Slišković, Bosnia had their first chance of qualifying to a major tournament. However, in the deciding game, Bosnia drew with Denmark 1-1 and therefore finished third of the group.

Various scandals followed the home nation during the next five years. Corruption, nepotism, theft and bribery caused many football players to boycott the national team, resulting in a whole new generation of players emerging from other European leagues. As the team changed, the results started to bright up the dark Bosnian sport.

Appointment of Ćiro Blažević, 3rd place winner in 1998 with Croatia, brought smile back on fan’s faces and assured that the sport in Bosnia will nothing but rise from that moment. First play-off was there for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but a lack of luck and misfortune meant that the Bosnia had to wait another two years for the same chance. This time, under legendary Bosnian player Safet Sušić, Bosnia were eliminated again with a heavy 6-2 aggregate loss against Portugal.

It was clear that this generation of players is on the verge of qualifying for a major tournament. For the 2014 FIFA World cup qualifiers, Bosnia emerged as winners of the group ahead of Greece and thus qualified for the countries first World cup. This qualification put Bosnia and Herzegovina on the football map that has much deeper economical and social meaning. The true leader of this football team is Edin Džeko, Manchester City striker and the team’s captain, Leverkusen’s Emir Spahić, who together are UN ambassadors of good will.

In a country torn by war and misfortune, these players and this national team brings the smiles back to their face and forget about the sorrow political system that is bringing this proud country to its knees. They only need a bit to be happy and satisfied with their nation and is a true example how sport brings people together and united in supporting their team.