Edin Dzeko's public revolt against Bosnia that threatened to derail World Cup play-off hopes When Wales face Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup play-off semi-final, the Bosnian captain Edin Dzeko will be seeking his final opportunity to compete at a major tournament. The 37-year-old striker, who has represented his country in two previous World Cup campaigns, is determined to lead his team in their quest for a place at the 2022 World Cup. Bosnia’s hopes rested on a November double-header against Romania and Austria, with two wins potentially securing direct qualification. A strong performance in either match could also guarantee a play-off spot. However, tensions arose before the home game against Romania as two fan groups, BHFanaticos and Ljuti Krajišnica, were denied access to tickets by the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation. The decision sparked outrage among Dzeko and his teammates, prompting the former Manchester City striker to take a public stand. On social media, he demanded the federation reconsider its stance, emphasizing the importance of fan support during a crucial phase for the national team. “With loyal fan support from the stands, which we really need at this important moment for the national team, the players will do their best on the field to achieve a favourable result,” he wrote. “We are all going to defend the colours of our homeland on our front.” The federation eventually reversed its decision, allowing the fan groups to attend the match. Bosnia’s 15,000-capacity Bilino Polje Stadium welcomed over 11,000 supporters for the game against Romania. Despite a first-half goal by Daniel Birligea giving the visitors an early lead, Dzeko and his teammates responded swiftly.#bilino_polje_stadium #edin_dzeko #bosnia_and_herzegovina_football_federation #bhfanaticos #ljuti_krajinica
Edin Dzeko set for UK return after Andre Onana bust-up and huge Bosnia fallout Edin Dzeko, the veteran striker, is preparing to lead Bosnia-Herzegovina in their World Cup play-off semi-final against Wales, marking what could be his final chance to compete in a major tournament. The 40-year-old, who previously played for Manchester City, is set to return to the UK for the match at Cardiff City Stadium. His journey back to the national team has been marked by controversy, including a high-profile clash with fellow player Andre Onana and disputes over fan access to matches. Dzeko’s return to the UK comes after a contentious period in Bosnia’s qualifying campaign. Earlier in the season, he sparked a debate when he publicly criticized the country’s football federation over ticket allocation for fan groups. Ahead of a crucial November double-header against Romania and Austria, two fan organizations—BHFanaticos and Ljuti Krajišnica—were denied entry to the home match against Romania in Zenica. Dzeko took to social media to demand the decision be reversed, emphasizing the importance of fan support for the national team. He wrote, “On behalf of my teammates and on my own behalf, I DEMAND the Federation to reconsider its decision and provide tickets for fan groups that have supported the BiH national team for years.” The match against Romania saw over 11,000 fans at the Bilino Polje Stadium, a 15,000-capacity venue. Bosnia trailed early in the game after a goal from Daniel Birligea, but Dzeko equalized just minutes into the second half. Esmir Bajraktarevic then put Bosnia ahead with 11 minutes remaining, and Haris Tabakovic secured the win with a last-minute goal. This victory kept Bosnia in the running for a World Cup spot, though they faced a tough path forward.#edin_dzeko #bosniaherzegovina #andre_onana #cardiff_city_stadium #bilino_polje_stadium
