Bosnia and Herzegovina are embracing their status as underdogs ahead of Friday’s FIFA World Cup Group B opener against co-hosts Canada, with head coach Sergej Barbarez insisting his side will compete with pride as they make their long-awaited return to the global showpiece after a 12-year absence.
The Balkan nation is appearing at only its second World Cup, having made its debut at the 2014 tournament in Brazil where it recorded one victory but failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Ranked 64th in the world, Bosnia face a difficult challenge against a Canadian side eager to secure its first-ever World Cup victory on home soil.
However, Barbarez believes his team has already proven its resilience by qualifying for the tournament, including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over three-time champions Italy.
“We are a small country,” Barbarez said.
“This is our second ever World Cup and for sure we are sort of an underdog in many of the matches ahead.”
Despite acknowledging the odds stacked against his team, the Bosnian coach remains confident that his players can compete with the best.
“If you know our results, I think you have to just admire what we’ve managed to achieve,” he said.
Bosnia’s remarkable qualification campaign has earned them a reputation as giant-killers, and Barbarez believes that fighting spirit will be crucial in Canada.
“(I once said) I love this game between David and Goliath,” he said. “We play with our hearts and that has been our advantage.”
The Dragons have received a significant boost with the return of veteran striker Edin Džeko, who has recovered from a shoulder injury.
The 40-year-old captain, Bosnia’s all-time leading scorer with 73 international goals, is set to feature against Canada.
“Edin will be with us tomorrow,” Barbarez said. “Edin will be playing just as usual.”
Barbarez expects an intense encounter against a Canadian team also seeking a historic breakthrough by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
While the hosts will enjoy strong backing from local supporters in Toronto, Bosnia have also been buoyed by enthusiastic fan support since arriving in the city, with large crowds attending training sessions throughout the week.
“I am maybe exaggerating a bit but I’m sure (the game) is going to be quite intense, which is characteristic of both the teams,” Barbarez said.
With both nations chasing a place in the knockout rounds and eager to make history, Friday’s clash promises to be one of the most intriguing opening matches in Group B.
