Bosnia Coach Barbarez Praises Panama, Laments Heat in Pre-World Cup Friendly

The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team played their final preparatory match before the World Cup, drawing 1-1 with Panama in St. Louis. Panama, one of Croatia's group stage opponents, provided a stern test for the "Dragons" in a match that highlighted both strengths and areas needing improvement.

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The opponent wanted to play forward, they didn't just hoof the ball, which was good for us to test everything. It's always good when you see a team that has the courage to play.

Coach Sergej Barbarez commended the opponent's approach, noting, "The opponent wanted to play forward, they didn't just hoof the ball, which was good for us to test everything. It's always good when you see a team that has the courage to play." However, the game was significantly impacted by oppressive heat, necessitating the use of FIFA's new hydration breaks. Barbarez expressed his frustration with the conditions, lamenting, "Only if we look to the sky and pray it gets better." He acknowledged the necessity of playing at these early times due to TV rights but stressed the importance of players finishing the match without injury.

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Only if we look to the sky and pray it gets better.

Barbarez identified weaknesses in the team's play concerning long balls, stating, "We had a problem with that because we are positioned high up. We will have to be patient and fix some things." Despite these tactical challenges, he emphasized the importance of the team's mentality, urging them to remember their journey and the hard work that brought them to this stage. "We must think about who we are and what we are and how we got here, that nothing was given to us, but through effort, desire, and will," he remarked.

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We had a problem with that because we are positioned high up. We will have to be patient and fix some things.

The coach also expressed deep gratitude for the fans' support, which influenced the choice of St. Louis for the friendly. "We knew where we were coming. That's why we chose it, because we received great love. I am proud that we chose this place and that we could show ourselves in front of our people," Barbarez said. The draw against Panama, while not a victory, provided valuable insights as the team finalizes its preparations for the upcoming World Cup.

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We must think about who we are and what we are and how we got here, that nothing was given to us, but through effort, desire, and will.