Bosnia and Herzegovina national futsal team player Josip Sesar, currently playing for Croatia's Vrgorac, shared his thoughts on preparations, team atmosphere, futsal’s popularity, and expectations:
"We’ve been together for over seven days now, and while you might think we'd get tired of each other, that hasn’t happened because we all share the same goal – to qualify for the European Championship. We have a few jokers on the team. With Kalajdžić injured, Radujković has taken over as our lead entertainer."
How would you describe futsal in three words?
"Passion, love, and determination."
What motivates you to play futsal?
"Above all, I love playing and improving every day. The main motivation is the chance to qualify for a major tournament like the European Championship with the national team and win trophies with my club."
How does futsal in BiH compare to Croatia?
"Futsal in Croatia has grown a lot in recent years. They’re among the top three countries in Europe with two representatives in the Champions League, which says a lot about the league’s strength. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s league isn’t at that professional level. We usually have two or three dominant teams, like Mostar Stari Grad, but long-term consistency is lacking. In Croatia, all ten clubs are professional."
Does that mean futsal isn’t popular in BiH, or is it underfunded?
"I’d say it’s even more popular here. We have plenty of talented players who could play anywhere, but the issue lies in organization and the system. Croatia benefits from being in the EU, has better funding opportunities, with clubs having significantly larger budgets. It’s frustrating how little is invested here, while Croatia proves how much can be achieved with slightly more funding and support."
What’s your take on the match against Spain?
"They’re clear favorites, and we know that. This will be a very different game compared to England, where we attacked more. Here, we’ll need to defend more while making the most of our scoring opportunities. There’s no pressure, so we can play freely and showcase our skills. Spain is the European and world champion, but with a new coach, they might still need time to adjust. We’ll play bravely and give our best, motivated by the rare opportunity to face one of the best teams in the world."