Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave an emotional response to Bosnia & Herzegovina reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history. The former Sweden superstar became visibly emotional while working as a FOX pundit following Bosnia's 3-1 victory over Qatar.
Emotional Tribute to Heritage
"That's what football is all about, bringing people together and especially for Bosnia. How much this country has suffered and to see this happiness makes me very emotional," Ibrahimovic said on FOX Sports. "Gives me goosebumps because that's my father's roots."
The Bosnian War during the 1990s resulted in more than 100,000 deaths. Prior to independence, Bosnian athletes competed for Yugoslavia, but after forming their own national side, Bosnia qualified for their first World Cup in 2014. The conflict also displaced many, including Ibrahimovic's Bosnian father and Croatian mother, who relocated to Sweden before Yugoslavia's dissolution. Bosnia was not recognized by FIFA until 1996.
Ibrahimovic's Career and Bosnia's Triumph
After moving to Sweden, Ibrahimovic became Sweden's all-time leading international goal-scorer with 62 goals in 122 appearances, including 19 in World Cup qualifiers, yet he never scored in a World Cup. His father, Sefik, born in Bijeljina, Bosnia, moved to Sweden in 1977, where Zlatan was raised. Sefik was known as a folk singer called "Kinko."
Bosnia's 3-1 win over Qatar followed a 1-1 draw with Canada and a 4-1 loss to Switzerland. Under manager Sergej Barbarez and captain Edin Dzeko, they finished third in Group B to advance to the Round of 32, surpassing their 2014 group-stage exit. Bosnia will face co-hosts the United States at Levi's Stadium on July 1.
Fan Celebration Moves Ibrahimovic
"Just to see 70,000 singing, probably the Bosnian fans won already the World Cup and it makes me happy, very proud over them and see them also advance from the group stage," Ibrahimovic continued. "But the special moment is when the fans are singing, this is what makes me emotional, I cannot even express myself well now, but it's a very emotional moment, and I'm just happy, I'm just happy."
