Bosnia on the brink of World Cup dream: Football fans set siege to Austrian capital

Thousands of Bosnia fans have flooded into the Austrian capital, gathering in the city center, ready to support their "Dragons" in their quest for a World Cup spot. The atmosphere is one of hopeful anticipation, as supporters are united in their desire for a victory.

The equation for Bosnia is simple: only a win will secure the ticket to the 2026 Mundial. A draw is enough for the current group leaders, Austria. Heading into the final game of the qualifiers, Austria sits atop the group with 18 points, while BiH trails by two points. The match kicks off tonight at 20:45 (local time).

Fans travel far and wide, unified in belief

An N1 team spoke with several fans, all of whom expressed belief in their team.

"It was worth coming, and we're going for the win," said Mersud Fejzic, who traveled from Visoko, BiH. "I wish them the best of luck, a 0-2 win, Dzeko and Alajbegovic," he predicted.

Lamija Bospahic and Anisa Ibrovic made the journey all the way from Gothenburg. "We're hoping for a victory. We expect Dzeko to score," they told N1. "We are here to support them, and it’s up to them to give their all."

Danis Karacic, who arrived from Sarajevo, echoed the sentiment. "I'm here for the Austria-BiH match and I expect us to qualify for the World Cup. I would love for Dzeko to score; he is the foundation of our national team," he said. "I'm a patriot, I love BiH, and I think it was worth the trip. I want to tell them to play with heart, to show energy, because we can play against them."

A tense history and a tough challenge

Tonight's match will be the seventh encounter between Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In their previous six duels, Austria claimed victory twice, BiH once, and three matches ended in a draw. In the last meeting between the two sides, Austria won 2-1 in Zenica in September.

The game will be officiated by Portuguese referee João Pinheiro.

Will the "Dragons" triumph in Vienna and achieve their qualification dream, or will Austria hold on to their lead? The entire nation of Bosnia and Herzegovina holds its breath awaiting the final result.