Edin Dzeko Returns for Bosnia's World Cup Opener Against Canada Bosnia-Herzegovina head coach Sergej Barbarez confirmed on Thursday that 40-year-old striker Edin Dzeko will be available for the nation’s World Cup opener against Canada on Friday. The decision comes after Dzeko, a veteran forward with 148 international caps and 73 career goals, had been sidelined since mid-May due to a right shoulder injury. The injury, sustained during Bosnia’s European playoff victory over Italy in March, has kept him out of action for over a month. Dzeko, who now plays for German club Schalke, is set to make his return in a crucial match for the 64th-ranked team. Barbarez, who has led Bosnia to their second World Cup appearance in 12 years, emphasized Dzeko’s importance to the squad. “People like Dzeko have earned, with the character and the mentality, praises to be sung about them,” the coach said through a translator at a pre-match press conference. “He doesn’t have to prove anything to anybody because he has done it all… I’m extremely happy to have such a player among our ranks.” Dzeko, who serves as the team’s captain and talisman, has been a key figure in Bosnia’s recent successes, including their qualification for the expanded 48-team tournament. Bosnia, grouped with Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar in Group B, faces a challenging path in the tournament. The team’s journey to the World Cup was marked by playoff wins over Wales and Italy, securing their place in the competition. Dzeko, a central figure in the squad, was fully involved in Thursday’s training session, signaling his readiness to contribute. The coach praised the team’s underdog mentality, stating, “We play with our hearts. That has been our advantage so far, but we should not underestimate the heart of Canadians. They are hosts and they deserve every respect.#canada #world_cup #edin_dzeko #sergej_barbarez #bosnia_herzegovina
