Edin Dzeko Bows Out as Sweden Stay Top After Bosnia Draw
Edin Dzeko brought his Bosnia and Herzegovina career to an end in an emotional 1-1 Nations League draw with Sweden, a result that leaves the Swedes two points clear at the top of the group.
The veteran forward received a standing ovation when he was withdrawn in the second half, with supporters inside the stadium and spectators gathered on nearby rooftops saluting one of the country’s defining football figures. Bosnia later marked Dzeko’s long international service after the final whistle.
How the match unfolded
- Dzeko thought he had given Bosnia the lead before the interval, but the effort was disallowed after officials judged that the ball had gone out of play earlier in the move.
- Sweden then took control of the scoreline through Viktor Gyokeres, who finished powerfully after Alexander Bernhardsson created the opening.
- Bosnia continued to make use of their size and aerial threat, with Dzeko’s presence particularly testing Sweden at dead-ball situations.
- Kerim Alajbegovic earned the hosts a late equaliser when his free-kick delivery found its way through and into the net.
- Dzeko was substituted to a prolonged ovation as Bosnia’s supporters recognised his final appearance for the national team.
Potter praises Sweden’s composure
Sweden coach Graham Potter said his side had handled a difficult away occasion well, despite the emotion surrounding Dzeko’s farewell and the intensity generated by the home support.
“I’m very pleased with the performance,” Potter said. “The team were excellent, particularly given the circumstances, our position in the group and the atmosphere at the ground. We deserved to be ahead, although we needed to score again.”
Potter felt Sweden’s advantage had been merited but accepted that Bosnia’s physical threat made the closing stages uncomfortable. He questioned the free-kick that preceded the equaliser, while acknowledging the danger posed once the ball entered the penalty area.
“We did not think the free-kick should have been given,” he said. “But when the ball comes into the box against a side with so many tall players, those moments can happen.”
Sweden largely kept Dzeko under control in open play, though the striker’s ability to occupy defenders and attack set pieces remained a central issue throughout his final international outing.
Group picture
The draw keeps Sweden in first place, two points ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Poland’s 6-0 victory over Romania has also kept the section tightly contested ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Sweden will finish the international window in Bucharest against Romania, with Potter’s team aiming to protect their lead and secure first place in the Nations League group.
