A country torn apart by war in the 1990s for political and social reasons, Bosnia has found light in its national football team. A team that has so narrowly missed out on many competitions, but for the first time ever, is now in the driving seat. The nation is eager to see the "Zmajevi" or Dragons, as they're called, qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It will surely be one of the best moments in their lives and in the countries history. After beating Liechtenstein 8-1 in the first match of qualifications in Vaduz, they now face off in Zenica in what could be a historic night. The teams have met four times previously and Bosnia has won the last three meetings and drew the first one back in a 1999 friendly. 

In reference to their lack of success in qualification: Bosnia narrowly missed out on the 2004 European Cup (Euro) after a 1-1 draw with Denmark, a win would have given them qualification. Then in 2006, the Bosnians finished 2 points behind Spain for a spot in the tournament in Germany. Many feel they were robbed as Spain scored a 98th minute winner through Carlos Marchena at the Mestalla to equalize after Zvjezdan Misimovic scored in the 40th minute. The referee had signalled for 6 additional minutes, which is why so many were outraged. In 2008, Bosnia could have qualified as they were 2nd at one point, but disagreements between players and the federation led to many quitting the team. In 2010, Bosnia finished 2nd in their group behind Spain and had qualified for the playoffs. They drew Portugal and suffered a pair of hard fought defeats both home and away. Both matches finished 1-0 to Portugal (Bruno Alves and Raul Meireles were goalscorers). In 2012, Bosnia narrowly missed out on 1st place as France had beaten them to it. Bosnia once again qualified for the playoffs and once again drew Portugal. After an entertaning 0-0 draw in Zenica, Bosnia suffered a rough 6-2 defeat in Portugal. Many were outraged about that campaign considering they were denied a penalty late on in Paris while France received one after Spahic seemed to have fouled Nasri outside the box. Now, however, is Bosnia's chance to put all that aside and make history. 

Bosnia come into the match heavy favorites to win the match as they are ranked 18th in FIFA's world ranking while their opposition (Liechtenstein) are 156th. Bosnia most recently beat Slovakia 2-1 in a dramatic come from behind win as Izet Hajrovic scored his first goal (and the winner) in his second appearance for the national team. That win, however, came after a shock 1-0 defeat at Bilino Polje (Zenica) to Slovakia. That put all the pressure on Safet Susic's side, but they dealt with it well. Now, they must do it again and hope Slovakia does them a favor so the celebrations can commence. A Slovakia win and a Bosnia win would guarantee qualification while a Bosnia win and a Slovakia draw would mean that Bosnia only needs a draw against Lithuania on the final match.  Should Slovakia not win, the task is still simple nonetheless, win both games and you're in. The main players for the Bosnian side are Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhou Renhe), Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma), captain Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen) and Asmir Begovic (Stoke City). Senad Lulic (Lazio) will pose a huge threat on the wings with his incredible work rate and crossing success. 

Liechtenstein are very unlikely to win this match, especially given Bosnia's impressive record in Zenica and their attacking style. Previously, Liechentenstein's manager had given his support for Bosnia and said he would enjoy Bosnia's qualification for the World Cup. The "Zmajevi" are adored by many footballing fans across the world. Nonetheless, Rene Pauritsch's men face a huge uphill battle, but they have reason to be optimisitic of getting some points after holding Greece to a tightly contested 1-0 win. While Greece is known for it's lack of goals and it's very bland footballing style, the manager still has hope that they can get a point in Zenica. Their most capped player and their highest goalscorer, Mario Frick will hope to be the man who ruins Bosnia's potential celebrations.

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