Austria to the World Cup, Dragons to the Playoffs

(Patria) - The national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina drew tonight in Vienna with hosts Austria with a score of 1:1 in the last round of World Cup qualifiers.

With this draw, the Dragons, unfortunately, missed the chance to qualify directly for the World Cup, as they needed a win for that. They will have another chance to do so in March next year when the playoffs are played.

On the other hand, the Austrians secured their place at the World Cup tonight for the first time since 1998.

According to some estimates, there were over 20,000 BiH fans in the stands of the Vienna stadium "Ernst-Happel", who created a great atmosphere, but unfortunately did not celebrate in the end.



Coach Sergej Barbarez decided to enter the match bravely, so Džeko and Tabaković were at the top of the attack, while debutant Karić also got a chance from the first minute, writes Faktor.

The Austrians opened the match slightly better. Although they did not seriously threaten, they seemed significantly more dangerous. However, the Dragons took the lead from their first real chance.

After two consecutive corners, Memić shot, and the ball reached Tabaković, who got up from the ground in time and sent the ball into the net. It was in the 12th minute.



An incredible celebration followed. The "Ernst-Happel" stadium exploded, and numerous BiH fans had reason to celebrate.

After conceding the goal, the Austrians gradually began to take the initiative, and the BiH national team decided to play defensively, holding onto the ball whenever they had the opportunity.



The hosts threatened several times, but Vasilj was up to the task.

The Austrians managed to score in the closing moments of the first half. It happened after Laimer scored with a precise shot from the edge of the penalty area.

However, referee Pinheiro received a call from the VAR room, and after reviewing the footage, he rightfully disallowed the goal due to Laimer's foul on Memić, so the teams went into halftime with BiH leading.

The second half began with fierce pressure from the Austrians. The Dragons had a difficult time during those moments, even though they had opportunities to score through Džeko and Tabaković.



It should be noted that the BiH players played very disciplined and dedicatedly during those moments, and the Austrians, despite the pressure, found it difficult to create chances.

With 20 minutes left, Barbarez was forced to make a substitution. Karić got injured, and Mujakić came on from the bench.

In the 76th minute, after a cross from a set piece, Mujakić shot weakly, and in the continuation of the action, the Austrian defense cleared the ball in front of Bajraktarević.

Luck turned its back on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 77th minute. After a cross, the ball hit the crossbar, bounced to Gregoritsch's feet, who scored for 1:1.



Barbarez threw all his attacking players into the game in the last ten minutes, as Hadžiahmetović, Alajbegović, and Baždar entered the field.

However, the Dragons failed to threaten seriously in the remaining time, while the Austrians skillfully "stole" time and protected the result.

In the end, it remained 1:1. Austria thus goes to its first World Cup since 1998, while Bosnia and Herzegovina will seek a chance for the final tournament through the playoffs, which are scheduled for March.