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When you think of the Bosnian football team the first name that pops up in your head is none other than that of Edin Dzeko, and I don’t blame you either! The Manchester City forward has had a stellar career at Manchester City and previously at Wolfsburg as he helped both of them win their respective league titles. More recently, he scored 10 goals in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers to help Bosnia qualify for their first ever major tournament. But, as the main title indicates, Bosnia are far more than a one-man team.
If you know your football, then you’ll notice that Bosnia have a players with pedigree in certain positions. Here are few of them:
Goalkeeper
Asmir Begovic is the 1st choice keeper. The 26 year old custodian has been in fine form the past few years and its only a matter of time before he moves to a bigger club. Begovic kept 5 clean sheets in the 10 games that Bosnia played in the qualifiers as they lost only 1 game and drew another.
The highly rated shot stopper has made the headlines in the Premier League on a regular basis as he often pulls out great saves to keep his side in games. He might not have made the team of the year, but he is certainly up there with the top notch goalkeepers.
Begovic’s stats are certainly eye-catching Note: Distribution accuracy is in terms of %
Defenders
Again, if you know your football, then you wont be surprised on why Bosnia had such a solid qualifying campaign. Led by their captain Emir Spahic who plays in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen, the side conceded just 6 goals in 10 games. The 33 year old has a lot of experience in his locker after playing in the Uefa Champions League and the Bundesliga for several years.
The same can be said about their right back Mensur Mujdza who plies his trade for Freiburg.
Kolasinac (left) Spahic (centre)
However, the most brightest prospect in the Bosnian back line has to be Saed Kolasinac who plays for Schalke. The left back is strong, agile and can make a tackle or two when needed.
Senad Lulic is another name that props up. The Lazio man can play as a winger or a left back, exactly the kind of versatility needed when you are playing a tournament where the games stack up quickly.
Midfielders
Miralem Pjanic, the Roma midfielder is the name on everyone’s lips right now in Rome. The 24 year old is silky smooth on the ball and yet can sting you when you least expect it, just ask the Milan fans! The Bosnian fans will be hoping that he has a good tournament just as he has done in the Serie A (6 goals and 6 assists). One of the youngsters to watch out for as he is still only 24.
Miralem Pjanic
Pjanic’s solo effort against Milan
Bosnia have no shortage of players when it comes to taking set pieces. TSG Hoffenheim midfielder Sejad Salihovic can belt the ball when needed and at the same time provide the finesse too, a potent weapon. Salihovic has scored 11 goals for his club this season, the majority of which have come from free kicks and penalties. Do expect Salihovic and Pjanic to have a few arguments on who should be taking free kicks in the tournament!
Forwards
You might think that Edin Dzeko is Bosnia’s only star striker, but he isn’t. Current Stuttgart striker Vedad Ibisevic can light up the attack too.
Vedad Ibisevic
The 6 feet 2 inch striker has scored 33 goals in 65 games for Stuttgart, which means a goal every 2 games. He also has 20 strikes in 51 games for the national side. The pair of Dzeko and Ibisevic scored a combined 18 goals in the Qualifiers and can definitely frighten defenses with their aerial ability, strength and finishing prowess.
Manager
Safet Susic was named the Bosnian coach on 28 December 2009. During his tenure, the country have risen to their highest ever FIFA ranking of 13th and have had a record unbeaten run of 9 consecutive wins. The team has a healthy win percentage under him and mix it up when it comes to the style of play.
Expectations
The Bosnian side will fancy their chances of progressing to the 2nd round as they have been drawn in a group that is relatively comfortable. They have been drawn alongside Argentina, Nigeria and Iran. Argentina are favorites to make it to the next stage, so it will be between Bosnia and Nigeria provided Iran don’t cause an upset.
