Barbarez in Vienna: We want to beat the Austrians and go to the World Cup

(Patria) - The national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina plays a decisive World Cup qualifier tomorrow, and coach Sergej Barbarez addressed the media tonight at a press conference in Vienna.

The Dragons defeated Romania 3-1 on Saturday at "Bilino Polje", which opened the door for our team to directly qualify for the World Cup.

Tomorrow, the BiH team will visit the "Ernst Happel" stadium in Vienna for a direct showdown with the Austrians for first place.

Only a victory will secure direct qualification for the World Cup for our team, and we have already secured a place in the playoffs.

Sergej Barbarez also spoke about tomorrow's match tonight at a press conference held at the "Ernst Happel" stadium.

At the beginning, Barbarez had a message regarding yesterday's tragedy in Mostar.

- First of all, I want to express my condolences to the family of the deceased Aldina Jahić on behalf of myself, the coaching staff, and the entire team. That news has shaken us, and we must loudly and clearly condemn all forms of violence as athletes, especially femicide - said Barbarez.

He then focused on tomorrow's match against Austria.

- Tactical discipline is important for every match, whether you play against the weakest or the best. We have played them once before, and we can learn a lot from that; we know them more or less, we have analyzed them. We want to use this confidence to try to win this match and go to the World Cup - said Barbarez.

Journalists asked him how many question marks there are about the lineup and what the situation is with Emir Karić's registration?

- Regarding the squad, everyone is ready. Tarik is ready; it wasn't even an injury. As for Emir, we are still waiting; as FIFA said, it must happen today. I believe it will be at the last minute when we have to submit the lineup for the match - said Barbarez.

As a player, you had two similar matches in the national team that we didn't win; will this be third time lucky?

"I am not important here at all; these guys are more important, and our country. Let everything else wait in line. I don't like to compare things because it was a different time and everything was different. Those things are history and should stay there. What's important is that we go out on the field tomorrow and do what we do there".

How much does the support of former coach Sušić and player Ibišević mean to you? How to compensate for the absences of Dedić and Katić?

- I rarely read our portals and news; I haven't read that, but it's encouraging when people are with us, former players and coaches, not just when things are good, but also in tougher moments. They know how to feel this moment, and I thank them for that.

He who is absent, we manage without him – we have to. There hasn't been a match since I became coach that we haven't been missing 4-5 players, and it's the same now. I see in their eyes that they will give their all.

I don't treat this match as a bonus, but as a chance for the team, perhaps a life chance for some players to go to the World Cup. I see in them that they want everything and that they want to prepare and run onto the field at all costs".

You are aware that an army of fans is coming who will be able to match the home crowd in this stadium. How much does their support mean to you, and that you don't feel like you are playing away?

- We saw in Zenica what that symbiosis means. It was phenomenal, and I saw some footage of how it looked. I don't go out during warm-ups, but I heard singing in the locker room, and I was happy about it. It just shows that people see what's happening with us.

It's incredible how happy we've made people, and that's why I do this job, to put a smile on someone's face. The result decides everything, but somehow I try to make it not always the priority, but the happiness and smiles of the people who love this country".

Does BiH have less to lose than Austria, and why are you angry at the Austrian Football Association regarding Karić?

"The Austrian association did not behave well. To deny a guy who wants to play for us – it's not OK. Austria has the role of favorite, but we want to prove ourselves and show it tomorrow".

By the way, tomorrow's match between Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina starts at 8:45 PM.