Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team booked
their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout
victory over Italy national football team in Zenica.
Midfielder Esmir Bajraktarevic converted the decisive
spot-kick, sealing qualification and sending the home crowd into wild
celebrations.
Italy Collapse After Strong Start
Italy had initially taken control of the match, with
Moise Kean opening the scoring in the 15th minute.
However, the game turned before halftime when defender
Alessandro Bastoni was sent off, leaving the four-time world champions to
battle with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Bosnia capitalised on the advantage, with Haris
Tabakovic scoring a late equaliser in the 79th minute to force extra time.
Penalty Drama Seals Italy’s Fate
With neither side able to find a winner in extra time,
the match was decided by penalties.
Italy faltered under pressure, missing key spot-kicks,
while Bosnia held their nerve. Bajraktarevic’s winning penalty slipped past
goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to confirm the upset.
Historic Qualification for Bosnia
The victory sends Bosnia into Group B of the
tournament, where they will face Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.
It marks Bosnia’s second-ever World Cup appearance and
their first since 2014, achieved in front of an electric home crowd in Zenica.
Italy’s World Cup Woes Continue
For Italy, the defeat extends a troubling run, as they
become the first former World Cup champions to miss three consecutive editions
of the tournament.
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