Bosnia
And we’re out
I’ll try and actually keep this short for once. Portugal will deservedly play at the World Cup in South Africa next year and I wish them the best of luck there. We were outplayed. The fundamental reason for our loss is that our opponents were a more complete team that tactically outmaneuvered us. Critical injuries, the circus taking place behind the scenes, bad luck and a few questionable decisions by the referee (e.g. the blatant foul on Dzeko immediately before the goal) all played a part, but none of them fully explain it. The Portuguese set up the barricades in the middle of the field, prepared for the counter-attack and dared our wing-backs to try and orchestrate a victory. They couldn’t. Our play inevitably degenerated into hoofing the ball up the field and hoping Dzeko would somehow latch on to it. The red wall stood firm and he didn’t. Our players showed incredible drive and determination for most of the match, but the Portuguese bode their time, finally capitalized on an opportunity against our undermanned defense and rode out the match to its then predictable conclusion.
The game was tough to watch, but the disappointment isn’t nearly as great as it was against Denmark. The frustration in the air was hard to miss (most notably with the primitive idiot who threw objects at the referee), but the hurt wasn’t quite as bitter as I had expected. The lack of players crying on the field at the end testifies to this. Perhaps it’s because this young generation realizes that several more opportunities to qualify lie before it. For those to be any more successful, however, changes need to be made – changes that will ensure the stability, order and organization necessary for a truly successful qualifying run. Ciro’s crazy train had its moments of magic, but it came grinding to a halt in exactly the way many of us feared it would. It leaves in its wake a deeply disappointed nation and a volatile situation in the FA that is once again on the verge of erupting. A smooth transition to the next phase of Bosnian football history seems increasingly unlikely, and so we’re left to wait and see what course things will take in the ensuing days and weeks.
More Bosnia World Cup News
Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
So what is there to say? It’s only been a few hours, but I’m already sick of thinking about this game. To sum it up, Carlos Quieroz prepared his team every bit as well as I expected. Of course, this hardly makes him an evil genius – Ciro made it a lot ... [read]
Match preview: Portugal v. Bosnia-Herzegovina
November, 14, 2009
Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
20:30 Lisbon, London; 15:30 New York; 21:30 Zenica
Well, it’s time. A little over 24 hours separates us from one of the most critical fixtures in our history. Many of our supporters are already in Lisbon, and pre-match anxiety is reaching fever pitch. One game ... [read]
Said Husejinović back on track?
When Said Husejinović first emerged in the Bosnian premijer liga for FK Sloboda Tuzla, he was touted by some as the best homegrown Bosnian prospect since the end of the war. The talented Zvorničanin had plenty of pace, great technique and a good shot from long-range. In terms of physical predisposition and ... [read]
Pulling Rabbits Out of Hats
In the build-up to our showdown against Portugal, most of the international attention on Bosnia’s roster is focused on the usual suspects: Džeko, Misimović, Pjanić and Ibišević (and roughly in that order too). But for me the most interesting players are two new additions to the roster, who have thus far been ... [read]
Awaiting the play-off draw: Bosnia vs. Portugal
With only a few hours leading up to the draw, conventional wisdom goes something like this: everyone in their right mind would hope to draw Greece, seeing as, although they’re by no means a bad team, they’re undoubtedly the worst of the four. As prospective opponents, the remaining three rank from bad ... [read]
One Down, One to Go
Well, we did what we had to yesterday in Yerevan and came away with the expected 0-2 victory. Ćiro claims we went in with too much respect towards the opponent, Senijad Ibričić says that we didn’t have enough. One way or the other, the performance left something to be desired, in large ... [read]
Armenia and other musings
Well, after many months of waiting, the time has finally come. Tomorrow morning Džeko, Spahić and company will fly out to Yerevan for Saturday’s World Cup Qualifier against Armenia. Although we’re heavy favorites, the player seem very focused and determined not to foil this historic opportunity. Of course, while the Armenians are ... [read]
Ćiro reveals call-ups for qualifiers
Who the @#$% was Mirnel Sadović? Ćiro seems not to have known either; he allegedly screamed “who sent you to me?!” at a pre-friendly training session. No matter. With or without Mr. Sadović, Bosnia embarrassed itself against Iran, conceding three goals in the final fifteen minutes or so of the match. Not ... [read]
Who the @#$% is Mirnel Sadović?
Time for another post in the build up to the August 12th friendly against Iran. This time I’ll discuss a new (and rather questionable) call-up to the squad, the latest developments in the Begović saga, our players performances in Europe and some more issues surrounding the game itself. More below the fold.
... [read]
Latest Comments
- Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
@ Antonio Dude, you are one immature arrogant kid. Imo Bosnia should have win you in Portugal bac ...[read more] - And we're out
Harun awesome job on writing the blog .. now we will turn our efforts to qualifying for the 2012 Eur ...[read more] - And we're out
Harun you did a great job writing for the Bosnian Blog. I wish we could have gone further, but it is ...[read more] - And we're out
I don’t think we need to take lessons from Portugal. You where disgraceful at your home turf towar ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
SEE YOU GUYS AT SOUTH AFRICA ! ANTONIO (FCPORTO THE BEST) ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
If you still dont believe...just watch! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz9LJdDJi6M and do bett ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
Medunjanin is a good player but not a playmarker in the same vein as Misimovic. With Pjanic playing ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
Misimovic out now with an injury? Medunjanin to start? OUCH ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
HARUN What's the latest?? I imagine Pjanic will finally get the start? Also does Ciro put Musl ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
Antonio .. "the Ref. will make the rest" .. I bet this ref is from Brazil which will bode well for t ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
Antonio - I wish you knew a little bit more about the reception our fans and players received in Lis ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
I'm not much of a believer in "deserving" to be at the World Cup - you either qualify or you don't. ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
only to say that's it's a shame the airport reception today of the portuguese nacional team. the bos ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
Honestly I must say I was quiet shocked that Ciro did not put in Miralem Pjanic sooner than he did . ...[read more] - Frustrating and disappointing, but not over yet
But do you really beleave that you deserve to be in the worldcup? the fact is that you didn't attac ...[read more]
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