Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko believes Bosnia’s World Cup win shows just how ‘mighty’ his home country are in the world of football.
Dzeko broke down in tears as Bosnia finally managed to reach a major tournament with their 1-0 win over Lithuania last night.
Several of his teammates had to be helped off the pitch after Vedad Ibisevic scored the winner in front of more than 5,000 visiting supporters.
“I want to thank all those who made the trip and also all our fans who are now celebrating in Bosnia and throughout the world,” Dzeko said after the game.
“We have shown just how mighty Bosnia is,” he added.
The joyous scenes in the Bosnian capital Sarajevo provided an example of how far the country has come since the 1992-95 siege of the city, in a conflict that was the most devastating in Europe since the Second World War.
It remains a country marred by the conflict from two decades ago. Political instability and ethnic divides still hamper its progress towards the European Union.
Bosnia played its first friendly match just nine days after the Dayton Agreement brought a semblance of stability to the region.
The country has come close to qualifying for a major tournament before. They have lost in two consecutive play-offs against Portugal, before they achieved qualification this year.
Image courtesy of MCFC video via YouTube, with thanks.
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