Absent Muzurović inspires Sarajevo win

Bosnia-Herzegovina dedicated their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying triumph against Malta to Fuad Muzurović, after the head coach was forced to watch the game from his hospital bed.

Muslimović winner
The 61-year-old was taken to hospital yesterday afternoon suffering from what the Football Association of Bosnia-Herzegovina called "health concerns caused by stress". He was replaced on the touchline by assistant Ivo Ištuk and the former FK Željezničar trainer enjoyed immediate success as Zlatan Muslimović's sixth-minute goal proved sufficient in Sarajevo. It was enough to lift the home team up to second in Group C, five points behind section leaders Greece, yet Ištuk was keen to turn thoughts to his recuperating boss. "We devote this win to Fuad Muzurović, who was sadly unable to be here to lead the team," he said.

Pre-match nerves
The 1-0 Malta triumph completed a productive week for Bosnia-Herzegovina, who claimed a memorable 3-2 victory against Turkey on Saturday despite twice falling behind. That took a lot out of the players and Ištuk admitted to pre-match doubts. "We were a bit nervous about the game because our players were exhausted following the win against Turkey," he said. "We took our one chance though and this win gives us an opportunity to fight for one of the two top places in Group C." Victory against Hungary in their next fixture in September would go a long way to helping realise that ambition by which time Muzurović, who is said to be recovering well, should be back in the dugout.