Familiar Faces and a Last-Minute Clearance: Bosnia-Herzegovina prepares for Austria Clash
The upcoming World Cup qualifier between Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina is more than just a rematch of their 2-1 encounter in Zenica. A important number of players on both sides share a connection to Austria, ranging from dual citizenship to current or past Bundesliga experience. Young star Kerim Alajbegovic, 18, is currently developing his career with Salzburg, while Haris Tabakovic honed his skills in Austria’s second league with Austria Lustenau before moving to Germany (currently at Gladbach) after a successful stint with Austria Vienna.
Tarik Muharemovic now plays in Serie A for Sassuolo, but his footballing journey began with youth spells at Klagenfurt, Wolfsberg, and Juventus turin. Even Bosnia-Herzegovina’s substitute goalkeeper, Osman Hadzikic, previously represented Austria at the U21 level. While Amar Dedic (Benfica, valued at €13 million) is suspended for the match, he also launched his professional career in Salzburg, having grown up in Graz. Arjan Malic, a striker/right-back born in Slovenia, spent his youth in the Innviertel region of Austria and was considered by the ÖFB before committing to Bosnia-herzegovina last year.
The situation surrounding Emir Karic has added another layer of complexity. The Linz-born player recently took on Bosnian citizenship and was slated to make his debut against Romania on Saturday. Though,the necessary clearance from the ÖFB arrived late,causing frustration for Bosnia-Herzegovina’s team boss,Sergej Barbarez. “I don’t see it as vrey respectful,it’s not a polite manner. It’s about a boy who was never a senior team player,” Barbarez stated upon arrival in Vienna. He confirmed FIFA had requested timely approval from the ÖFB, and he anticipated receiving it “a minute before midnight.”
A debut for Karic against Austria would further heighten the stakes of an already crucial match, a direct qualifier for a World Cup spot. ”Before qualifying, I dreamed of this moment, that we would have the chance to qualify directly in November, and that happened,” Barbarez said, expressing his team’s excitement. While acknowledging Austria as the favorites, he emphasized his team’s confidence and their analysis of the Austrian side: “We analyzed the Austrians well.”
On the Austrian side,team boss Ralf Rangnick is uncertain whether Tabakovic will start alongside Edin Dzeko in attack or come off the bench. “We are prepared for both scenarios,” Rangnick said. “If both central strikers play from the start, they will probably use balls from outside relatively frequently enough. We have to try to prevent that.”
The atmosphere at the sold-out Happel Oval is expected to be electric, with strong vocal support for the Bosnian team. Marko Arnautovic is looking forward to the energy, stating: “The fuller the stadium, the better.”
