Prior to departure, the head coach Robert Prosinečki stated at the Sarajevo Airport:

“Our medical team recovered Nastić and Ćivić, which pleased us, because we were deficient with defensive players after the injury of Bičakčić and Vranješ. We're going as motivated to Northern Ireland and we all want a good result. We also have a good atmosphere in the team. The opponent has an experienced team that has been together for a long time. They play well and aggressively at home and have excellent support from the stands. They’re great at the corner and outlines kicks, as well as all game breaks, so we’ll have to look after all of that.”

The players will have their training session in Belfast at 17:30 h.