Katić, Vasilj and Alajbegović: There were tears, but mostly pride, special gratitude to the fans

(Patria) - The first statements after qualification were given by Nikola Katić, Nikola Vasilj and Kerim Alajbegović.

Katić said he is proud and speechless.

"I never cried, tears just came. Two years of hard work, we have crowned it in these two matches against serious opponents, and it must be said that we played against one of the strongest opponents in the world. Only football can bring this much joy to everyone, to this suffering country. I am glad we succeeded. Sport moves things, improves people's lives. Congratulations to my teammates," said Katić.

Goalkeeper Nikola Vasilj had a great responsibility tonight.

"Extra time, penalties, we come back after such a cheap goal we conceded. This is a special team, I don't know what to say. To play such a match, create so many chances, and still stay composed and calm and take penalties like this, I have no words. An incredible feeling. We have time to prepare, we have our chances, especially if we play like this," said Vasilj.

18-year-old Kerim Alajbegović said he cannot describe the feeling.

"I knew we would win, playing in the World Cup at 18, I don't know how many players have done that. Our mentality is never to give up. When the coach told me I would come on at halftime, I knew I would score it no matter who was in goal. A message to the fans. Thank you to everyone who was at the stadium, the atmosphere was brutal, let's all go celebrate," said Alajbegović.

The Dragons are in Group B with the teams of Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

Our team will play its first match in Canada, specifically in Toronto on June 12 against Canada, and then we move to the United States of America where we will play the remaining two group stage matches.

In Inglewood, we will play against Switzerland on June 18 at 9 PM, and then in Seattle on June 24.