Edin Dzeko Returns to UK Amid Onana Dispute, Bosnia Tensions
Edin Dzeko will captain Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup play-off semi-final against Wales. The veteran striker returns to Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday for what may be his final chance at a major tournament.
Ticket row and crucial qualifying moments
Earlier in the qualifying campaign, two fan groups were blocked from buying tickets for a home game in Zenica. BHFanaticos and Ljuti Krajišnica were denied access by the national federation.
Dzeko publicly demanded the decision be reversed. He urged the federation to restore tickets for the loyal fan groups.
The home match against Romania was held at Bilino Polje Stadium. The venue holds 15,000, and over 11,000 supporters attended.
Romania took the lead through Daniel Birligea before half-time. Dzeko equalised less than five minutes after the break.
Esmir Bajraktarevic put Bosnia ahead with 11 minutes remaining. Haris Tabakovic added a late clincher to secure the win.
Tabakovic scored again in the final group game in Vienna. But Michael Gregoritsch’s late equaliser meant Austria topped the group.
As a result, Bosnia needed to go through the Wales play-off. A potential final could pit them against Italy or Northern Ireland.
Club career and current form
Dzeko won Premier League titles with Manchester City in 2012 and 2014. He then spent around a decade playing in Italy and Turkey.
He joined Schalke in January and has impressed since. The striker has scored six goals in eight matches for the 2. Bundesliga leaders.
His spell at Inter Milan included reaching the 2023 Champions League final. That period also featured a conspicuous public clash with a teammate.
Onana incident and fallout
The clash involved goalkeeper Andre Onana during a Europa League round of 16 win over Porto. Onana was filmed shouting at Dzeko and telling him to “shut up”.
Hakan Calhanoglu intervened as team-mates tried to calm the situation. Onana later downplayed the episode to Sky Sport Italia.
He said, “These things happen in the game, everyone has a right to think what they want.” Onana subsequently moved from Inter to Manchester United.
International experience
Dzeko was part of Bosnia’s only previous World Cup squad in 2014. Sead Kolasinac is the only other 2014 squad member in the current group.
Dzeko returns to the UK amid an Onana dispute and rising tensions back home. He will lead his country as they chase a spot at the World Cup.
