Neighbors in euphoria after entering the playoff final: ‘I knew I was going to score it. Let Italy be afraid’

Džeko saved BiH in the end

The match in Cardiff offered real drama, and the home team entered the match as favorites and dominated most of the first half. He had the best chance Harry Wilsonči’s great shot in the 23rd minute was stopped by the post. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s team seemed harmless until the second part, which started with a shock. Daniel James in the 52nd minute, he checked the goalkeeper with a great shot from 25 meters Nikola Vasiljathe son of the bronze “fiery” from the generation of 1998 Vladimir Vasilj, for the leadership of Wales. Just a few minutes later, James also hit the crossbar, and it seemed that BiH was on the verge of relegation.

However, the conceded goal woke up the chosen ones Sergej Barbarez. Reservist Kerim Alajbegović he brought energy to the attack, and after several missed opportunities Ermedin Demirovćathe reward for the better game came in the 86th minute. It was Alajbegović kicked from the corner, and captain Edin Džeko in his style scored with his head for 1-1 and took the match to extra time.

Cold-blooded Alajbegsć and the hero Vasilj

Extra time did not bring any goals, although both teams had their chances, so the trip to the final was decided by a penalty shootout. The series started badly for BiH as Demirov’s shot was saved by the Welsh goalkeeper Darlow. However, luck turned to the neighbor’s side. Brennan Johnson missed the entire goal for Wales, and the shot Nec Williams great save by Vasilj. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tabaković, Bašić and Hadžiahmetović, and the decisive one, the fifth penalty was cold-bloodedly realized by 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegović for a big celebration.

Media: “Heroes are born in nights like this”

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s media described the victory as historic, celebrating the character of the team that came back from behind and finally ended the “curse of the bar”. However, they will need one more win for that. The portals were flooded with headlines about “a night to remember” and “heroes from Cardiff”.

​- We entered the game a bit shyly, but their goal came in handy because we started playing only then. We deservedly won – said captain Džeko.

The hero of the victory Alajbegović he did not hide his enthusiasm.

​- When I took the last penalty, I knew I was going to give it. It’s an incredible feeling. Now we are playing at home, Italy must be afraid of Zenica – said the young footballer.

On Tuesday, March 31, BiH will welcome Italy in Zenica, which beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in the second semi-final. The winner of that match will secure a direct qualification to the World Championship.