Marciano: After the match against Argentina, my friends told me, 'Hey, these guys of yours can play!'

Marciano Jose Do Nascimento, a Brazilian footballer who played for many years for BiH clubs Čelik, Sarajevo, Široki Brijeg, closely follows BiH's performances at the World Cup from Brazil with his family, and if we reach the round of 16, he will visit the BiH camp and the journalists covering our national team. In an exclusive interview for the Patria news agency, Marciano, better known as Marsi in BiH, says that Brazilians are delighted with BiH.

- In my city, everyone knows that I played football in BiH. They had heard of some small country, but after the match against Argentina, my neighbors, friends, and relatives told me, 'Hey brother Marciano, these guys can play!' That's when I said that I knew it from the start and never doubted it - says Marciano.

He further notes that he is convinced BiH will advance from the group as the second-placed team, and he expects the same outcome for the Croatian national team.

- You know I speak the Bosnian language, and I am proud that I managed to learn your language. I am glad that now I can speak to your fans in Bosnian - says Marciano.

The popular Marsi, who won the BiH championship title with FK Sarajevo, further says that he has met several BiH fans who have even learned to dance the samba, but he still warns everyone not to move alone on the streets of Brazil.

- I heard that members of the BiH Football Federation were robbed. I had warned about this earlier. Robberies are frequent, and always move in groups and, if possible, with a Brazilian guide, because that way you will be safest - added Marciano.

He lives with his wife Monica and two daughters, as he vividly explained, an hour and a half by plane from Guaruja, where the BiH national team is based.

- It's a holiday here now. There are also those who are dissatisfied and protest, but that should be understood, because they are poor and disenfranchised people - added Marciano for Patria.