Džeko: Young players are the future, for us older ones this is the last chance for the European Championship

(Patria) - A press conference of our national team was held today at the premises of the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo ahead of tomorrow's playoff match against Ukraine, and the journalists were addressed by selector Savo Milošević and captain Edin Džeko.

The playoff is the last chance for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team to secure a spot at the European Championship, which will be held in Germany this summer, and our team faces a semi-final duel against Ukraine as early as tomorrow.

At the beginning, the captain of our team emphasized that this is the first time he feels there are no expectations from the BH team when it comes to the playoffs compared to previous years.

"Somehow I have a feeling that this is the first time that nothing is expected, at least from these playoffs we've played. So when you get to that playoff, it's somehow the fastest way to a big competition because you have one or two matches, which is much easier than securing a big competition in 10 matches," said Džeko.

"We didn't have good qualifiers, and if we look at that, the Ukrainians are favorites, but these are completely different matches from the qualifiers. In my opinion, there are no favorites, and the chances are 50-50. Regardless of everything, it depends on us how much we give on the field and show how much we want the victory."

Džeko was asked if he would have any advice for the young players who are playing their first playoff, and he gave a clear answer.

"Regarding those young players and us older ones... I think I can say from my experience after so many games for the national team that I give advice to the young players who are here now, and they are the future, I am not the future. It's not easy to go to a big competition, and we proved that when we had that best generation. This is a somewhat good chance for us older ones, for whom it might be the last chance, but also for these younger ones, for whom it's the first chance, there will be more, but it's not easy. Tomorrow we need to give our maximum and see it as the last chance," says Džeko and adds.

"I have a feeling that it's getting harder and harder to go to that big competition because everyone plays football today and there are no more favorites. My advice to everyone is to do it properly tomorrow and give the maximum. Everything depends on us, and if God wills, if we win tomorrow, I think that final match would be even harder."

Milošević revealed his expectations and how ready the team is.

"You know how... I have to repeat myself. I believe in a positive result, and the guys think the same. We must be aware that it will be difficult, and I already said that I know we can do it. I knew even before this match that we have the quality to celebrate, and tomorrow we need to justify that.

The selector was also asked if Huseinbašić is close to the starting lineup.

"I can't talk about the team, but I can say that I am convinced that Huseinbašić will certainly represent additional quality for our future. How much he will play in these two matches, I can't say about that," said Milošević.

Džeko also touched on the support of the fans.

"That means a lot. In difficult moments, when the crowd carries you, you give more than your abilities. The crowd is the 12th player tomorrow, that's how it is. Everything that happened should be forgotten, we weren't at the level, but we won't look at that now. We can only lose energy if we think about it. Everyone should come together, from you journalists, fans, and others."

Milošević added that our guys are also practicing penalties, and that it is very important if the match ends in a draw.

"It's good to train that, we tried, we'll do it again tonight," said selector Milošević.

Milošević also spoke about the goalkeepers. Experienced Ibrahim Šehić, who is at the end of his career, probably soon his international one, has returned, Nikola Vasilj is on the verge of the Bundesliga with St. Pauli, which is crushing everything in its path, and Kenan Pirić regularly plays in goal in Cyprus.

"I'm not an expert on goalkeepers. What matters to me about a goalkeeper is how I feel when I see them in goal. I have confidence in these three guys, whoever stands in goal, I have confidence. Pirić has recovered, he had a blow to the head," the selector was open.