Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina are debuting at the World Cup but with the talent they have, they look a decent team, capable of advancing into the knockout stages.

Too offensive?

For a long time since the war, football in Balkans was all about Croatia and Serbia. Slovenia managed to be the third power and they did play at some major tournaments, but were never able to play particularly good football. Bosnia struggled with poverty and migration and thus was never able to keep the best players. Now, they were able to surpass not only Serbia, but also Croatia, who had to play in the play-offs to earn a place in the World Cup.

In a way, Bosnia resembles South American sides – great attack, strong midfield and average defence. For a long time Safet Susic played with two strikers, maintaining that with Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic, there’s not much room to discuss – they have to play. It was very risky, but equally rewarding. They had 18 goals in the qualifiers between them and guided their team to the World Cup. Susic also utilised two creative midfielders in the middle which against stronger opponents can usually be exploited.

Finding balance

With Ibisevic’s dip in form, Susic can change his formation to a 4-2-3-1, keeping important balance in all areas of the pitch. Stuttgart’s striker is a very emotional player and can be easily driven out of control and earn a red card. It can also affect his form. When Stuttgart struggled with relegation battle, Ibisevic was often absent from the games, struggling to find the net – his last goal was in January.

Dzeko, on the other hand, is best, when goals really count. He takes his game to another level, when time is running out. He scored vital ones, when Manchester City needed it in the title run-in. He is often used as a super-sub but generally he likes to play from the start and wait for his opportunities. Arguably one of the most understated strikers – he has technique, shot power and heading skills which really very few players have.

If Dzeko had a good season, then Miralem Pjanic must have had a year out of this world. Along with whole Roma team, his form peaked with the arrival of Rudi Garcia and with his great passing game and creativity he emerged as one of the best midfielders around. He is both able to dribble as well as find himself comfortable in positional play. In a 4-2-3-1 he will though play on the right hand side, offering his team ability to retain the ball or cross it to strikers. Number 10 position is reserved for Zvjezdan Misimovic.

German defence

In defence, Bosnia has a solid Bundesliga core. On the right Mensur Mujdza of Freiburg. Then, Ermin Bicakcic, who got relegated with Eintracht Braunschweig, but after the season he was sold to Hoffenheim, who has ambitions of making it to the Europa League next year. In Emir Spahic of Leverkusen Bosnia has an ambitious skipper and Sead Kolasinac from Schalke emerged as a starting left back. Asmir Begovic from Premier League’s Stoke is one of the most understated goalkeepers around. If he plays well in the World Cup, he should find himself in a better time.

Playing style

Bosnia is an attacking team, using all their talent upfront and in the middle. Safet Susic might abandon his 4-4-2 for a little bit of balance, but the general idea stays the same.

Coach

He is one of the legends of Bosnian football having played for almost a decade in FK Sarajevo before moving to PSG. He coached Cannes before moving to Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Bosnia and Herzegovina national team is his first job in his home country.

Schedule and BETEGY predictions

15th June, Rio de Janeiro: vs. Argentina (1-2)

21st June, Cuiaba: vs. Nigeria (1-0)

25th June, Salvador: vs. Iran (1-0)

Bosnia’s chances of advancing into the knockout stages are looking quite well (65%) but they need to beat Nigeria in order to take the initiative. In the Round of 16 they will probably meet France and lose 1-2.