COUNTDOWN 23: Will Dzeko’s Bosnia outlast Nigeria’s Eagles?

Every nation needs a hero, more so if it is entering unchartered waters, and Edin Dzeko looks like that gladiator to lead his Bosnian troops into their first-ever World Cup experience.

The Manchester City striker’s goals helped the Mancunians become champions of the English league this season. A man who has recently earned a reputation for showing up in big games, Dzeko scored 10 goals in 10 games to ensure Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historic qualification.

Bosnia and Herzegovina will be making their first major competition appearance since becoming a FIFA-recognised nation after the demise of the former Yugoslavia Republic in 1991. And it couldn’t have come any bigger than the World Cup.

Placed in a relatively open qualification group with Greece and Slovenia, the Bosnians held sway with surprising maturity, topping the group ahead of the Greeks on goals difference. Qualification was celebrated by the nation as winning the World Cup itself, therefore nothing is expected of the team.

However, Coach Safet Susic, a former Yugoslav striker, is not one to rest on his oars and is preparing to surprise a few teams in the World Cup in Brazil proper. The 59-year-old had come for criticism due to under-par performances before the qualifiers, but this all changed after the players bought into his ideas.

Armed with top class players who ply their trade in some of Europe’s top leagues in Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic, Vedad Ibisevic, Senad Lulic and captain Emir Spahic, he moulded an attacking unit that can score goals while relying on the finishing of Dzeko and Ibisevic, playmaking skills of Pjanic in the middle of the pack, and also on the pace of winger Senad Lulic to wreak havoc.

Widely considered one of the most gifted forwards to have come from the former Yugoslavia, Susic also needs to impose iron-fisted discipline in the dressing room.

Strength

When given freedom to express themselves, the attacking triumvate of Dzeko, Ibisevic and Lulic can score goals, envisaged by being one of the highest scoring teams in qualifying. They also have a world-class goalkeeper in Asmir Begovic. The Stoke City reliable shot stopper has been on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs and a fine showing wouldn’t hurt.

Weakness

Lack of tournament experience would be the primary defect of this team, while squad indiscipline should be stamped out if the Bosnians want to make their mark on the world sage. Also, the defence is a major problem, as only captain Spahic is an assured presence and even he does have lapses in concentration that could cost the tea.

Last line

Every World Cup comes with its plethora of surprises and who knows, Bosnia could serve the world a good dose of drama to last another four years.