‘Indescribable’: Bosnia jubilant after securing World Cup return

Scenes of jubilation erupted in Zenica as the Bosnians beat the four-time world champions 4-1 in a penalty shootout at the stadium in the Bosnian city.

As Esmir Bajraktarevic netted the winning spot kick, celebrations kicked off in the stands and around the country.

“The match was tense until the last second, but we knew in our hearts that we would win,” Teo Laic, 19, told AFP shortly after the game from a watch party nearby.

He was among thousands who packed live viewing sessions around the country, after tickets to the game — with a stadium capacity of just 18,000 — sold out in minutes.

“An indescribable atmosphere. I came to experience this, I knew we would win,” said Velida Garanovic, standing among a triumphant crowd, while wrapped in the country’s blue and yellow flag.

Outside the stadium, fans filled the streets as honking cars streamed past carrying supporters on hoods or hanging out windows, waving flags.

“Look at what we’re capable of! We eliminated the four-time world champions. We’re going to America!” said Abidin Colakovic.

‘Here we are again!’

In the capital of Sarajevo, tens of thousands also packed the main boulevard late into the night to welcome the players, who had secured the first World Cup spot since 2014.

“We launched this mission twelve years ago, and here we are again!” Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko told the heaving crowd from a balcony adorned with a giant national flag.

Fireworks lit up the sky above the capital as supporters embraced and sang in packed streets.

Italy, also two-time European champions, saw their path to the World Cup blocked for the third consecutive time by a rejuvenated Bosnian team led by coach Sergej Barbarez.

“I was truly proud. I told them to go out and enjoy it,” Barbarez told the national broadcaster BHRT.