Meša Announces Squad: Salihović Returns to National Team

BiH national football team coach Mehmed Baždarević today announced the list of players for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Wales and Cyprus, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

Goalkeepers: Asmir Begović, Ibrahim Šehić, Jasmin Burić.

Defense: Emir Spahić, Toni Šunjić, Ognjen Vranješ, Mensur Mujdža, Sead Kolašinac, Edin Cocalić, Ermin Bičakčić, Marin Aničić, Ervin Zukanović.

Midfield: Miralem Pjanić, Haris Medunjanin, Edin Višća, Senad Lulić, Anel Hadžić, Tino Sven Sušić, Srđan Grahovac, Stojan Vranješ, Izet Hajrović, Sejad Salihović, Semir Štilić.

Forwards: Vedad Ibišević. Milan Đurić, Ermin Zec, Riad Bajić, Edin Džeko, Armin Hodžić.

Baždarević said it was difficult to hear that Džeko would not play and that it was hard to imagine the national team without him.

- That's how it is. We have to assemble a team of the 11 best we have and give our all to play our best - said Baždarević, adding that he hopes they will be able to replace Muhamed Bešić who has a three-match suspension.

Although there are 26 names on the list, Baždarević said he would have to shorten it due to player injuries.

When making the list, he considered their performances in their clubs, and that will be his benchmark in the future.

- If we look at the matches we've played, how Wales played against Belgium, objectively I have a chance to win the first match. And if we win the first, we will win the second more easily. We have no reason to doubt victories. The fans will mean a lot to us - said Baždarević.

Incidentally, coach Baždarević is celebrating his birthday today, and he treated members of the press on the occasion.