Dzeko: We'll give it everything

[B-Boy]

With nine goals in the European Zone of FIFA World Cup™ qualifying, Bosnia-Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko rates as one of the most prolific goal-getters on the continent, second only to ten-goal Greece's Theofanis Gekas. This year, the month of May 2009 to be precise, also brought Dzeko the greatest moment of his career to date, the German Bundesliga title with VfL Wolfsburg.

After moving to Teplice from Sarajevo, his city of birth, Dzeko joined Die Wölfe in 2007 and now has 38 goals in 71 appearances for the German champions. The 23-year-old boasts an even more impressive record for his country, with 14 goals in 21 appearances. And largely thanks to his sharp-shooting, Bosnia-Herzegovina's dream of a first-ever trip to the FIFA World Cup finals remains well and truly alive.

In European Zone Group 5, where the seemingly invincible Spanish reeled off ten wins out of ten to stroll off with top spot, Bosnia sealed second place ahead of two nations with far greater FIFA World Cup experience, two-time contenders Turkey, and 11-time finalists Belgium.

In the play-offs on 14 and 18 November, the men from the Balkans now face a daunting task against Portugal, who came fourth at the 2006 tournament. "Portugal are the team I really wanted to avoid," commented Bosnia coach Miroslav Blazevic in the wake of the play-off draw. We'll have to fight to the end in both matches. It'll be a huge spectacle though, that's for sure. Both teams are well known for their flowing football."

A few days ahead of the first leg in Lisbon, FIFA.com spoke exclusively to national figurehead and standard-bearer Dzeko. The player looked ahead to the play-offs, discussed the dream of appearing at the FIFA World Cup finals, and spoke of the significance of football in his home country.

FIFA.com: Edin, you face Portugal in the FIFA World Cup play-offs. How would you assess Cristiano Ronaldo and Co?
Edin Dzeko: Obviously, the Portuguese start as favourites, no doubt about it. They have a great team and a huge amount of experience, although that doesn't mean we don't stand a chance. There are two games, and we'll give it everything.


It's almost unbelievable how much we're looking forward to the tie, because we could achieve something incredible, and that's what we intend to do.
Bosnia-Herzegovina star Edin Dzeko on the play-off against Portugal


How big are your chances of appearing at the FIFA World Cup next summer?
Like I say, it's over two legs, and if we can come away from their place with a decent result, anything's possible.

What are Bosnia's strengths and weaknesses?
The biggest point in our favour is our unity and determination as a team. We're a band of brothers, and we get along really well with one another. We're dangerous when we go forward too. All we lack is experience.

You lost your final group match 5-2 at home to Spain. Was that just a slip-up?
It was, and there's no shame in losing to Spain. The final score wasn't a fair reflection of the play either. We had more chances than the Spanish, but give them two half-chances, and they'll score two goals. We only lost 1-0 in a tight game over there.

What has to improve against Portugal, or to put it another way, what will be the decisive factor on 14 and 18 November?
It's vital we tighten up at the back. The entire team has to work hard in defence. At the other end, we're always good for a goal.

Is it an advantage to play the second leg at home in Zenica?
It could be an advantage, provided we come away with a result from the first game. If so, we could pull off a shock upset at home.

Tell us about the mood in the Bosnia camp ahead of the clash with the Portuguese.
The mood is good, as it always is. It's almost unbelievable how much we're looking forward to the tie, because we could achieve something incredible, and that's what we intend to do.

You missed out on UEFA EURO 2008, so how disappointing would it be if the 2010 FIFA World Cup took place without Bosnia-Herzegovina?
That's something I hope we never find out.

How is football regarded in your home country?
Football is easily the most popular sport, and the people live in hope of taking part in a major tournament at some point.

What would happen in Bosnia-Herzegovina if you seal a place at the FIFA World Cup?
It's impossible to imagine, and I actually don't want to think about it for the moment. Our people are already overjoyed about making it to the play-offs. It would just be fantastic for the country.


I'm a big AC Milan fan. It's always been my goal to play for a big club at some point.
Dzeko on his ambitions


What does Bosnia-Herzegovina need to become a major footballing nation?
Better infrastructure and a good league.

Your former coach Felix Magath said this about you in a couple of interviews: "Dzeko is a massive talent, and I predict a great future for him." What's your response to that?
It's nice to hear, and it makes me even more determined to keep performing well.

Are you unhappy with any aspect of your game? Where could you improve?
I'm always trying to improve, and to reduce any weaknesses to a minimum.

Is there a club you'd like to join at some stage in the future?
I'm a big AC Milan fan. It's always been my goal to play for a big club at some point.

FIFA.com recently spoke exclusively to Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz. Asked which Bosnia player impressed him the most, he immediately mentioned your name. Are you surprised?
Really? I'm delighted. I hope he'll be even more impressed after our games against Portugal.

[DOC]

i said it in the other thread but i like this bosnia squad... dzeko, ibisevic, misimovic, pranjic, salihovic, muslimovic... very good attacking players, should be a great match, i reckon the bosnians to go through, no ronaldo for portugal i believe?

[El Pibe D'Oro]

Muslimovic was a gun in the Champ Manager Series.

Ended up with Udinese and did ok for a while, not sure where he is now.

[B-Boy]

It will be a tough 2 games for the Bosnians. Both games should be very exciting to watch. No matter what the result ends up to be, all Bosnians should be proud of the entire team that is representing the country.

[guti]

Does Salihamidzic still play? He would have been wild at a WC in his prime.

[barbarez01]

Does Salihamidzic still play? He would have been wild at a WC in his prime.

na he retired from the national team, yea would have been good seeing him at a world cup, oh well..

[DOC]

Muslimovic was a gun in the Champ Manager Series.

Ended up with Udinese and did ok for a while, not sure where he is now.

nurnberg i think...

[barbarez01]

Muslimovic is at PAOK

[DOC]

Muslimovic is at PAOK

i was close

[guti]

Boasnia is paying $6 on isabet.com to win the first leg. Not a bad kicker to a multi.

[don poosti]

Boasnia is paying $6 on isabet.com to win the first leg. Not a bad kicker to a multi.

1st leg in portugal yeahh?

[guti]

yeah, but no Ronaldo and Portugal really struggled in qualifying.

[don poosti]

yeah, but no Ronaldo and Portugal really struggled in qualifying.

true. odds on tab online are:

Bosnia are $7.50

Draw is $4.50

Portugal $1.38

[Ubietz]

Come on Bosnia. I really hope you thrash those Potruguese gypsies.

[don poosti]

Come on Bosnia. I really hope you thrash those Potruguese gypsies.

mmm yes, coz there are so few gypsies in Bosnia

pot .. kettle .. black ...

[Jimmy]

Come on Bosnia. I really hope you thrash those Potruguese gypsies.

mmm yes, coz there are so few gypsies in Bosnia

pot .. kettle .. black ...

..how about I buff my car with your bald head.

[don poosti]

Come on Bosnia. I really hope you thrash those Potruguese gypsies.

mmm yes, coz there are so few gypsies in Bosnia

pot .. kettle .. black ...

..how about I buff my car with your bald head.

don't see how that would work tbh

[Ubietz]

Come on Bosnia. I really hope you thrash those Potruguese gypsies.

mmm yes, coz there are so few gypsies in Bosnia

pot .. kettle .. black ...

I'm not Bosnian, I just hate Portugal.

try...again...retard

[B-Boy]

The ref needs to get shot, very inconsistent in all his decisions.

[Željko Jurin]

The ref needs to get shot, very inconsistent in all his decisions.

I dont think FIFA will allow a WC without the worlds best player (CR)

Sad, but true !!

[TM87]

Atmosphere was electric but ref was shocking portugal milked every challenge. Should be a cracker in ZENICA.

[TM87]

The ref needs to get shot, very inconsistent in all his decisions.

I dont think FIFA will allow a WC without the worlds best player (CR)

Sad, but true !!

tRUE FUCKING fifa.........

[The Waterboy]

What about when Dzeko missed a header from 10 yards then the follow up hit the post in the dying minutes!!

[The Kop]

Really rate the Bosnians. Quality squad for a nation with small population.
Prepared very well for the game, we released Jahic early so he could meet up with the rest of the squad about 10 days in advance.
Really happy to see R21's Bruno Alves get the goal. But dissapointed for the Bosnians.

How did Jahic play?

[DOC]

hit post 3 times very unlucky for the bosnians... fifa needs to be shot over seeding for the playoffs, it did give some good games but imagine a portugal/france playoff match, france and portugal only seeded so the big names will be at the wc for the tv money...

[Il Duce]

population.

Over stated irrelavant statistic.

[El Pibe D'Oro]

Hope Bosnia get up at home and qualify.

[B-Boy]

Should be a good second game in Bosnia. Don't know how Portugal is going to cope with the cold weather.

[Hosovac]

Portugal will shut up shop and just play on the counter attack...an away goal for you guys would have been invaluable. I reckon BiH will score in Zenica, whether you can keep a clean sheet is another thing.

[DOC]

Portugal will shut up shop and just play on the counter attack...an away goal for you guys would have been invaluable. I reckon BiH will score in Zenica, whether you can keep a clean sheet is another thing.

good point, attack we know is very good, ?marks over the defence when hit with pace on the counter