Sergej Barbarez fulfilled dreams in his first qualifiers as a head coach, and led the national team to a major tournament: “It wasn’t easy, but that seems to be our path. We had problems at the start, there was no organization, we weren’t well set up, we didn’t pay attention to the opponent. That’s why we had those issues with their counters. But against a world-class team that defends well even with ten players, we believed from the very first moment. I’ve never gone into a match calmer, and I’ve never managed a match more calmly. I told them to go out and enjoy it. I saw it in their eyes, I really love them, they’re guys with character. We’ve got players we’re proud of, we’re two years ahead of schedule. Now I told them we have to go to a tournament every two years. I hope Edin Džeko’s injury isn’t serious and that he’ll be with us at the World Cup, because there’s not much time.”
Nikola Katić, together with Tarik Muharemović, closed all routes to goal: “Great pride, honestly I’m speechless. I’ve never cried after a match, I’m 29, and now tears came. We crowned all that fight in these two matches against serious opponents. We played against one of the best national teams in the world. We’ve often seen that sport moves things, improves people’s lives, and congratulations to my teammates and thanks to all of them. Everyone will be happier tomorrow when they go to work.”
Goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj also commented after qualifying for the World Cup: “Incredible what’s been happening to me lately, both at club and national team level. Extra time, penalties, comebacks… Huge credit to the team. This really is a special team. Two matches like this and we come back twice in the final minutes. To create this many chances against Italy and then stay composed and calm in the shootout… I can’t even process it. None of us can believe what’s happening.”
Eighteen-year-old Kerim Alajbegović calmly converted a penalty in the second play-off match as well: “You can’t describe this feeling. I knew right away we’d beat them. At 18, to play your first World Cup, I don’t know how many people experience that. I’m proud of the team for fighting until the end. That’s our mentality, we never gave up. Thanks to everyone who was at the stadium, the atmosphere was incredible, I don’t know if there’s anything like it in Europe. Let’s all celebrate.”
