Bosnians bid for historic first

Bosnia-Herzegovina Under-21 captain Senidad Ibričić says his side will give everything to become the first team from their country to qualify for the finals of a UEFA tournament.

'Big desire'
After seeing off Norway and Armenia to advance from qualifying Group 1, Bosnia-Herzegovina must defeat the Czech Republic in a play-off to reach next summer's UEFA European U21 Championship. Ibričić is confident they will do just that. "This is an extraordinary opportunity for my generation, and we don't want to miss it," he told uefa.com. "I think we can do it. We'll give our maximum.

'Great achievement'
"We respect our opponents, but there is some anxiety and that's normal, why shouldn't there be? We are one step away from a great achievement, but when we step out on that pitch at the Strelnice stadium in Jablonec nad Nisou, we will forget that fear. I think we can surprise our peers from the Czech Republic."

Pehlić out
Ibričić, who turned 21 at the end of last month, will be key if coach Ibrahim Zukanović's squad are to progress to the finals in the Netherlands. The NK Zagreb striker is their most experienced player, capped 15 times, with an impressive ten goals to his name. He is also the youngest player to represent the full national side, but refutes suggestions that the U21 team is built around him. "Our success is due to all the players, not just me," he said. "We have played as a compact unit. It is all for one, one for all, and we are led by a great coach in Ibrahim Zukanović. This success is down to the group."

'High quality'
Zukanović and company have been training in Medjugorje ahead of Friday's away leg. The Czech Republic will start as favourites and the visitors' hopes have been hit by injury to midfielder Edin Pehlić. Confidence, though, remains high. "We know a lot about the Czechs," the coach said. "They are a quality team. Their players are with good domestic clubs and some even play abroad. But we won't be defending. These lads can get a result. They've been together for two seasons and know each other very well. What is more important, they want to succeed."

Big interest
These countries also met in qualifying for the 2000 U21 Championship, with the Czech Republic coming out on top, drawing 0-0 in Visoko then winning 1-0 in Blsany. This time, though, there is optimism in the Bosnia-Herzegovnian camp. The play-off has generated huge interest in the Balkan state with excited fans believing their side have surpassed expectations already by making the play-offs. With the second leg to come in Sarajevo, hopes are high they might even be celebrating in earnest next Tuesday. Ibričić concurred: "We're at home for the second match - that's our chance."