Bosnia Coach Hails Team's Grit After Ending Italy's World Cup Dream

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez stayed composed after his side stunned Italy in a penalty shootout to book a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising his players’ character and resilience in the decisive playoff in Zenica early on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Bosnia and Herzegovina secured a historic 4-1 shootout victory after a 1-1 draw following extra time, eliminating four-time world champions Italy and sending the Azzurri crashing out of the World Cup for the third straight tournament. The result sealed Bosnia and Herzegovina’s first World Cup appearance since 2014.

Bosnia and Herzegovina had already reached the playoff final by beating Wales on penalties, and they once again showed strong nerve from the spot against Italy.

“I told the players to go on the pitch and enjoy themselves,” Barbarez said, as quoted by Channel News Asia.

The Bosnian coach said he had never felt so calm before and after such a high-stakes match.

“I've never entered or finished a game calmer, I saw it in their eyes, I really ‌like them, they're guys with character,” he said.

Bosnia and Herzegovina fell behind in the 15th minute but fought back despite facing an Italy side that stayed organized even after being reduced to 10 men. Italy took the lead through Moise Kean before defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off late in the first half. Bosnia and Herzegovina eventually equalized in the 79th minute through Haris Tabakovi, forcing extra time and then penalties.

Barbarez admitted his team struggled early in the match.

“That beginning, the first half, we had some problems, we didn't have organization, we didn't stand where we should have, we didn't take care of the opponent, that's why we conceded some counterattacks,” he said.

Barbarez said that facing a world-class team that remained solid defensively even with 10 men showed what his side was made of. He said Bosnia and Herzegovina had believed from the first moment and that he had never entered or finished a match feeling so calm.

"We have guys we're proud of; we're two years ahead of schedule. Now I've told them that we have to go to [a major] tournament every two years."

Still, he said his players remained confident throughout the match and showed the mentality needed to survive the pressure.

One of the standout moments came from 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovi, who again made an impact off the bench. After helping Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Wales, he was once more trusted as a substitute and calmly converted his penalty against Italy.

Barbarez said the decision was part of the game plan.

“We needed Kerim in the second phase. He is only 18 and is experiencing his first senior season. Situations like this are good for his development, and he understands that,” he said.

The dramatic victory also sparked emotional scenes among the players.

Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Nikola Kati said he could not hold back tears after the match.

“I’ve never cried after a game, I’m 29 years old, and now the tears have started,” he said.

Kati said Bosnia and Herzegovina had shown extraordinary spirit in two crucial playoff matches against difficult opponents.

Read: Full List of 48 Teams for the 2026 World Cup as Iraq and Congo Qualify

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