From Cardiff to Seattle: How Sergej Barbarez restored a nation's faith and led Bosnia among the world's top 32

The historic qualification for the Round of 16 has also been widely covered by regional media, including Croatia's Jutarnji list, which devoted significant attention to the success of Sergej Barbarez's side.

In an extensive article, journalist Toni Roic described Bosnia and Herzegovina's journey from qualifying victories over Wales and Italy to the major triumph over Qatar in Seattle, which secured the Dragons a place among the world's top 32 national teams.

The authors wrote that Barbarez managed, in just three months, to build a team that restored faith among supporters, adding that football academies may one day study how he succeeded in gathering and shaping a new generation of Bosnian internationals.

They paid particular attention to the atmosphere in the stands in Seattle, where more than 20,000 Bosnia and Herzegovina fans gathered, describing the victory as one of life, unity and love - and only then of football.

Jutarnji list also singled out young internationals Kerim Alajbegović and Ermin Mahmic, who, together with captain Edin Dzeko, were among the key figures in the win over Qatar.

The Croatian outlet wrote that Dzeko, at the age of 41 and in his 150th appearance for the national team, once again showed how much the Bosnia and Herzegovina shirt means to him, highlighting his determination despite extremely difficult weather conditions in Seattle.

It also noted that the match against Qatar may have been the most difficult precisely because of the enormous pressure, as nothing but victory was enough for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

According to the article, Barbarez's timely substitutions and tactical change in the second half helped Bosnia regain control of the match, while Ermin Mahmic's goal for the final 3-1 marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bosnian football.

Jutarnji list wrote that there was particular symbolism in the fact that Mahmic, who came through Austria's youth national teams before choosing Bosnia and Herzegovina, scored the goal that confirmed the Dragons' historic success.

The article also quoted Croatian coach Nenad Bjelica, who praised the young forward during a studio analysis.

"I did not know Mahmic and I did not think he had that much quality. When he plays and comes on, he scores goals and he really is very good. It is a great advantage for him and for others born in Western countries that they acquire excellent work habits and a mentality that is different from what we often see in this region."

Jutarnji list concluded that Bosnia and Herzegovina's greatest achievements may still be ahead, ending the piece on an optimistic note ahead of the Round of 16 clash against the United States.