Following the match, head coach Sergej Barbarez spoke about the farewell of long-serving captain Edin Džeko: “The active part of his journey has come to an end. It was his wish, and we hope we fulfilled his expectations at least to some extent. It wasn’t a simple or easy match, but I can see that he’s happy. I think he’s also happy that something has come to an end because all of this carries a lot of emotion, thought and responsibility. When you carry that kind of backpack for 20 years, sometimes you want to put it down and enjoy things a little. Our plan was to win the game and for him to score. Unfortunately, he did score, but the goal was disallowed. In the end it was 1:1, and I think we can be very satisfied. I’m happy to have been part of all this and to have been his coach for the last two and a half years. I can genuinely be proud. Life goes on, and he’ll be happiest if we try to win the next match and if some new players come through. One door closes, another opens, and sometimes new stars are born in unusual ways, just as he emerged.”

Head coach Sergej Barbarez also reflected on the match against Sweden itself: “We expected their system and style of play. They like the ball possession, they have players who change positions during the game and use the spaces between the lines exceptionally well. Technically, they’re extremely good, and you can see that there’s an idea behind every first touch they make, which makes them very difficult to defend against. There weren’t many chances, and this was a very tough match. Sweden is a serious national team, and we managed to match them. That shows we’re moving forward. We had to show that we’ve become a good team and that we’re willing to run an extra meter, two or three for a teammate. That’s exactly how the players behaved. Nobody wanted to come off, and problems with cramps are normal after four matches in two weeks. It’s not about us winning a point, but about not allowing the opponent to take all three. We’re keeping the group open and want to go after one of the top two places. The players know what they carry on their chests and which crest they play for. That pride has returned, the supporters recognize it, and our matches are sold out again.”

After the match, Edin Džeko spoke about his farewell to the national team jersey: “This is the right time and the right moment. I didn’t decide this overnight. I could’ve continued a little longer, sometimes playing, sometimes not, and physically I can still do it. But you think about it — the European Championship is in two years, I’ll be 42, and who knows what condition I’d be in. The team needs to develop and prepare for the qualifiers. I’m leaving it in a good place, and that’s the most important thing. There are players here who’ll only get better and better, and there are players who can score and lead the national team. Before the match, I felt pressure in my chest, as if it were my first time, but once it started, everything passed. I thought I’d be more emotional, but I’m genuinely happy it ended this way. Bilino Polje and Zenica have that special magic. We played our biggest matches here, I played here the most, and it’s nice that everything ended right here. Thanks to everyone who came to see me off. This team and I are connected; they’re part of me, and I’m part of them. I’m here whenever and for whatever they need. I’m leaving happy, and now I’m on your side, the supporters’ side.”

Tirol goalkeeper Salko Hamzić made his BiH debut against Sweden: “We also expected a bit more than 1:1, and in the end we hoped to score a goal for Edin. It would’ve been nice if his goal had counted, that would’ve been phenomenal, but I think we did the best we could. It can always be better, but I’m satisfied with my first appearance. I’m grateful that I got the opportunity to play as a keeper in this particular match. It was beautiful, and I think his absence will make a difference in the coming years. We’ll miss him, and I don’t think we’ll ever have another player like him. It was an honor to be alongside him and fight for him. There’s not much time to rest. We’ve already played three matches, and we’ll prepare tomorrow and the day after. We already played Poland once, now we’ll play them again and, God willing, we’ll take all three points.”