The first game is on March 27 at 15:00 at Grbavica Stadium in Sarajevo against Slovenia, while on March 31 our team will face Israel at BSC Stadium in Budaörs, Hungary, starting at 17:00.
Head coach Branislav Krunić’s roster: Mladen Jurkas (FK Borac), Tarik Karić (FK Velež), Ivano Doko (HNK Brotnjo), Filip Taraba (NK Istra 1961, Croatia), Arjan Malić (Sturm Graz, Austria), Amar Ibrišimović (Schalke 04, Germany), Anes Čardaklija (FC GAIS, Sweden), Hamza Redžić (FK Sarajevo), Nermin Mujkić (FK Sarajevo), Eman Košpo (Fiorentina, Italy), Senad Mustafić (Sturm Graz, Austria), Nedim Keranović (FK Rudar Prijedor), Anes Krdžalić (FK Sarajevo), Emin Kujović (Wolfsberger AC, Austria), Matej Šakota (HŠK Zrinjski), Aldin Mešić (FK Velež), Amar Milak (FK Velež), Muhamed Buljubašić (Çaykur Rizespor, Turkey), Ognjen Šešlak (FK Sloga Doboj), Marko Matić (NK Široki Brijeg), Benjamin Džanović (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Albin Omić (FK Sloga Doboj), Matej Deket (FK Borac), Hamza Jaganjac (FK Željezničar).
Krunić on the list: “On the list are players who carried the burden of qualifiers so far, along with reinforcements from the ‘A’ team, which we see as the right approach and a sign of good communication and cooperation between the ‘A’ team and U-21. Until now the practice was players progressing to the ‘A’ team, now we also have the reverse process. Also, there are new young names from U-17 and U-19, which should become standard practice – that players from youth teams have a tailored adaptation process following their development to the ‘A’ team.
After a longer break we continue qualifiers with two very important matches that can decide if we stay in the race for the European Championship. We’ll gather in Zenica to choose the best approach and style of play to face upcoming opponents. Of course, focus is first on Slovenia, then Israel. These are teams we can play against, as we’re of similar quality, and with good approach and atmosphere we can hope to stay in the race.”
The team will gather March 22 at the FFBiH Training Center in Zenica to prepare for the qualifiers.
