Operation Belgium Begins, BiH National Team Gathers Today

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team is gathering in Ilidža today and begins preparations for two crucial, and final, matches in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, reports Patria agency.

Head coach Mehmed Baždarević faces significant problems ahead of the most important qualifier against Belgium on October 7th at Grbavica stadium, as he cannot count on one of the team's most important players, Miralem Pjanić, due to injury.

Baždarević had to react quickly and has called up experienced Philadelphia midfielder Haris Medunjanin, who is expected to provide quality cover for Pjanić.

In addition to Medunjanin, the head coach has also decided to call up Nemanja Bilbija, a talented striker from Zrinjski Mostar, and after two years, experienced Sejad Salihović is back in the national team. Ervin Zukanović will also miss the match against Belgium due to suspension.

Regardless of all the problems the head coach is facing, two victories against Belgium and Estonia are imperative for a place in the World Cup play-offs.

The team disappointed fans with their poor performance and loss against Cyprus, so they are eager to make amends for the defeat in Nicosia with a good performance and victory against the favored Belgium at Grbavica.

- Playing at Grbavica stadium means a lot to us, we expect support from everyone to play a good match. We know it will be difficult, but together with the fans who will come, we will do everything to achieve a favorable result – Baždarević stated.

The BiH national team will be accommodated at the "Austria" hotel and will train at the FK Sarajevo Camp in Butmir and at the Grbavica stadium. The first training session is scheduled for today at 5 PM in Butmir.

The match against Belgium is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th, at Grbavica stadium starting at 6 PM, while the last qualifying match against Estonia will be played on October 10th in Tallinn.