Bosnia and Herzegovina head coach Sergej Barbarez made it clear that his team has no intention of sitting back when it faces Qatar in a crucial World Cup group-stage match in Seattle.
After a draw against Canada and a defeat to Switzerland, Bosnia enters the final round of the group stage knowing that a win could keep its hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. Qatar is in a similar position, which is why Barbarez expects an open and competitive match.
“Our goal is never to defend for 90 minutes,” Barbarez said ahead of the game. “Of course, there are moments in every match when the opponent has more of the ball, but we have our own idea and we want to win. Qatar wants the same thing, because victory could also take them through. We will see whose desire is stronger.”
The Bosnia coach also dismissed the idea that his team should feel extra pressure because some see it as the favorite.
“That does not change anything for us,” Barbarez said. “If you look at the FIFA rankings, Qatar is ahead of us. They are not here by accident, just as nobody gifted us our place at the World Cup.”
Barbarez expects Qatar to stick to its style and does not believe there will be major surprises.
“I expect two teams that will go for the result and try to win,” he said. “Sometimes daily form can beat quality, but I hope we will be the ones celebrating in the end.”
The coach also confirmed that Bosnia has no major injury concerns before the match, with nearly the entire squad available. The only player not expected to be part of the matchday group is Tarik Muharemović.
Barbarez also spoke with great respect about captain Edin Džeko, calling it a privilege to work with him.
“He is one of a kind,” Barbarez said. “I am happy to be his coach. It is difficult to explain the emotion you feel for a player like him. I hope the younger players will follow his path.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Qatar on Wednesday in Seattle in one of the most important matches for the national team in recent years. A victory would give the Dragons a major chance to continue their World Cup journey.
Source details checked from Telegraf/N1: match preview, Barbarez press conference, squad situation and match context.
