Head coach Sergej Barbarez and goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj addressed the media.

Coach Barbarez opened with a message of condolence following yesterday’s murder in Mostar: "First of all, I want to take this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the family of Aldina Jahić, on behalf of the team and our coaching staff. The news of her murder shook us all. As human beings, before athletes, we must clearly and loudly condemn all forms of violence, especially femicide, a crime that must never be downplayed or justified."

On the absences due to yellow cards, Barbarez said: "Whoever’s not here, we go without them. Since I became coach, there hasn’t been a match where we weren’t missing six or seven players. This time we’re missing seven guys who could’ve been in the lineup just like against Romania. That doesn’t matter one bit because we’re focused on the guys who are here. What matters to me is that they’re with us and that they refused to return to their clubs - they chose to stay."

He added: "At the start of the qualifiers, I dreamed of this exact situation, to have a shot at first or second place. That was my dream. And then it happened. Now I’m fully grounded. I enjoy watching these guys. I’m truly proud of the group we’ve assembled and the character they’ve shown. I hope we make our dream come true tomorrow."

Barbarez confirmed that all players are ready and that they’re still awaiting confirmation regarding Emir Karić’s eligibility.

Nikola Vasilj said: "I’m preparing the best I can to give my contribution. A tough match awaits us. After so many strong emotions, joy, and everything else, we all know there’s huge euphoria in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it’s on us to stay calm. We all know how important this match is. Our approach has to be the same as in the last game. For us, this is a final."

After the press conference, the Dragons held a training session.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Austria game is scheduled for tomorrow at 20:45 at the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna. The referee will be João Pinheiro from Portugal, assisted by Bruno Jesus and Luciano Maia. The fourth official is Cláudio Pereira, with Tiago Martins and Helder Malheiro in the VAR room - all from Portugal.