Bosnians bask in exalted company

Bosnia-Herzegovina were delighted to be the surprise name in today's draw for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-offs in Nyon.

Surprise ourtcome
A 3-2 win against Armenia followed by a 1-1 draw in Norway was enough for Ibrahim Zukanović's side to win qualifying Group 1 and join unseeded sides Spain, England, Russia, Sweden, Israel and Bulgaria in the draw for the play-offs for next summer's final tournament in the Netherlands. Having defeated Armenia, Zukanović believes it was his side's bravery that earned them the all-important point in Stavanger. "We knew exactly what we wanted," he told uefa.com. "We played without calculation and without feeling the need to keep the score safe. The players played very well together and the result of their efforts is this huge success."

Belgium, please
The reward for their achievement is a meeting with 2002 winners the Czech Republic over two legs on 7/8 and 10/11 October. Bosnia-Herzegovina were relieved by avoid a tie against their neighbours from Serbia, but there is a sense among the team that they would play without fear against any opponents. "Things are much easier for us now," said team captain Senijad Ibričić. "It doesn't matter that we will be playing against better teams. We are ready for anything that they throw at us and if we get an opportunity to reach last eight, we'll take it."