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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.

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November 15th, 2009 | By: Harun | Comments Comments(17)

FBL-WC2010-PORTUGAL-BOSNIASo 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 more]

Match preview: Portugal v. Bosnia-Herzegovina

November 13th, 2009 | By: Harun | Comments Comments(13)

EURO 2004November, 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 more]

Said Husejinović back on track?

November 6th, 2009 | By: Harun | Comments Comments(1)

HusejinovicWhen 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 more]

Pulling Rabbits Out of Hats

November 3rd, 2009 | By: Harun | Comments Comments(8)

ErminzecIn 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 more]

Awaiting the play-off draw: Bosnia vs. Portugal

October 19th, 2009 | By: Harun | Comments Comments(11)

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 more]

One Down, One to Go

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