The Challenge Faced by Bosnia’s Latest Coach
Sergei Barbarez, the former Bundesliga star turned coach, faced a daunting task in his home debut against Germany. Despite his special connection to the country, Barbarez lacked high-level coaching experience when he took on the role in April. His journey to this position was marked by past rejections, including being overlooked in favor of Safet Susic 15 years ago.
The Legacy of Safet Susic
It’s hard to dispute the Bosnian FA’s decision to appoint Susic as the head coach. His leadership of Bosnia’s “golden generation” to the 2014 World Cup was a significant achievement. Despite their exit in the group stage, Bosnia showed promise, marking a turning point for a team that had struggled to make an impact since gaining independence in 1992.
The Rollercoaster Ride of Bosnian Football
From their peak in 2013 at 13th in the FIFA rankings to their current position at 75th, Bosnia’s football journey has been a rollercoaster ride. Since Susic’s departure in 2014, the head coach position has been unstable, with Barbarez being the eighth coach in a decade. However, Barbarez aims to defy the odds and create a lasting impact, as seen in Bosnia’s recent Nations League draw against Hungary.
A Promising Start for Bosnia
During their match against Germany, Bosnia displayed a strong start at the Bilelo Polje stadium in Zenica. Despite Germany’s dominance later in the game, Bosnia’s resilience and moments of brilliance kept the match competitive.
Ermedin Demirovic’s Impact
Ermedin Demirovic’s performance, particularly his shot off the bar, showcased Bosnia’s determination. The team’s captain, Edin Dzeko, also made a significant contribution with a crucial goal, igniting hope among fans.
Bosnia’s Lasting Effort
Despite a valiant effort in the final moments of the game, Bosnia fell short against Germany. While the loss places them at the bottom of Group A3, Barbarez’s leadership and the team’s fighting spirit offer hope for the future.
Conclusion
Barbarez’s journey as Bosnia’s coach reflects the challenges and opportunities in the world of football. While the defeat against Germany is a setback, it is not a definitive measure of Barbarez’s potential. The team’s resilience and determination signal a promising future under his guidance.
Edited by: Louis Oelofse