During the break, we took time to ask Miralem Pjanic about his role models, early recollections and football.

"The ball has always been near me. I was enrolled in a football club in Luxembourg when I was five, the same club my father played in. Since then, I've been out with friends, having fun. The ball was always near, I slept with it, I took it to school. I'd forget my backpack before the ball. Everything was about football in my family, and now I'm living my dream.

How many footballs do you have?

I have two small ones, and always have. Can't have regular ones because I'd break something.

-Imam dvije, male do sada, jer u kući ne mogu  polupaću sve, ali imam neke male uvijek sam imao lopte u kući.

What is the first World Cup you remember?

1998 in France. I remember being in Bosnia at that time, and watching the finals when France won 3:0 with my cousin. That was the first important competition I remember.

Who did you notice then?

Zidane. I was 8 then, and he scored two times. After he went to play for Real Madrid, I've always watched and adored him.

Is he a role model to you?

Yes, I've followed his career all the time, and I happened to play at the similar position as him, it was all because of his work.

Is there a some kind of ritual before the match?

Nothing special, I like to have fun with my friends, but I like to take 15-20 minutes in a locker room to concentrate.

How do you spend your free time here?

I like to rest, be with friends, talk, visit my family, well nothing special. I go for a walk around town if I get the chance.

What would you do besides football?

I can't imagine that. I've always dreamt of being a football player, and there was nothing else.

Your thoughts on World Cup?

I think it's an honor to be there. We are not going there just to be there, but to advance to the next round and play as best as possible, that would be a success for us. It's important to say it's our first time there, and everything will be new to us. I expect all three games to be difficult, there is no easy opponent there. We have to be prepared both physically and mentally. These preparations here are very important, and it will make us play better, bring joy to our people and country. We have to prove our quality.

Who do you think will win?

As always it's Spain or Brazil, perhaps Brazil a bit more because it's their territory. We shouldn't forget about Uruguay who will surely surprise with their excellent team. Spain will always be there, Agentina as well. There are always three or four favorite teams, but my bet's on Brazil this time.