Bosnia's World Cup qualification is the tournament's greatest underdog story. Eliminating Italy — on penalties, in the playoff final — sent the nation into scenes of disbelief. Barbarez's side were written off at every stage of the playoff, but their nerve, organisation, and a penalty shootout heroics of goalkeeper Ibrahim Šehić carried them through.
The squad is a fascinating mix: a 37-year-old Miralem Pjanić pulling strings from deep, a 38-year-old Edin Džeko still hunting goals, and Demirović providing the modern, pressing forward profile that links the generations.
Key Player: Ermedin Demirović
The Stuttgart striker is the engine of Bosnia's attack. His pressing, his goal threat from open play, and his ability to hold the ball up make him the ideal partner for the veteran Džeko. Demirović's top-level Bundesliga form makes him one of the more underrated strikers at the tournament.
Tactical Setup
Barbarez's 4-4-2 is compact and direct. Bosnia defend deep, rely on set pieces (Pjanić's delivery is exquisite), and look to spring Demirović and Džeko in behind. It's not fashionable but it almost beat Italy twice.
Tournament History
Only their second World Cup, twelve years after their debut. The audacity of how they got here makes them one of the most compelling teams in the tournament.