Bosnia in the World Cup: What it means to Bosnians and peaceniks worldwide

A woman is pictured as supporters of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national football team, gather late on October 15, 2013, at one of city squares to watch public live broadcast of the final WC2014 qualifier match between Bosnia and Lithuania, played in Kaunas, Lithuania. Bosnian team won the match 1-0 and successfully qualified for the WC2014 in Brasil

When thousands took the streets chanting “Thank you Dragons” after the little nation of Bosnia with a population of merely 4 million people booked their ticket to the World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Lithuania, it spoke its own story. It sent a message that a nation of a million worries that has yet to recover from the bloody 1992-1995 war in which more than 100,000 people died; while half of its population fled their homes, finally had a reason to smile. The country has remained ethnically divided between its Muslim, Serb and Croat communities and reconciliation between the three peoples has seemed all but possible. But football has managed to do the impossible – to bring the people together.

This victory may be small in proposition, no big teams and narrow margin and so on. But in true sense, it has had a huge impact on the little country and the footballing world.

1) For the footballing fraternity it signifies a sound order in place. The emergence of new nations in the World Cup sends out a positive message that there are no fixed spots, no system of dominance and that performance will be the sole factor. A country willing to put their best step forward will get a chance to compete in the top event and those who lax will lose out.

2) For the neutral fans, so used to seeing Spain, France, Netherlands, and Germany and tired from the dominance, it will be a fresh change. To see a small nation put their heart out on the field against the bigwigs of the football world will be intriguing and fulfilling. Along with that, it would also bring about the hope that if Bosnia could do it, maybe theirs too will someday.

3) Finally, for the 4 million people at home, it will be tearful to see their players on the field, put their heart and soul against the best. It will be a magical moment for the war torn nation so used to the sounds of bullets and cries to for once, cheer and jump with joy. All the sorrows and pain will be forgotten and they will unite to support 11 of their own, their every move and their every save. Winning or losing would hardly matter then, it will be a moment to be proud of their country and hope for change and unity.

Bosnia will be a part of the 32-nation World Cup next year in Brazil. This will surely be a new chapter in the history of their war affected nation which would look to build a new life on this little success. After all, football with all its glory and popularity has known to impact lives of millions around the world and one would hope that it provides the magical touch to this nation as well.