Glovesman gives Bosnia & Herzegovina a platform to perform
After a tight 6-5 defeat to Indonesia on Day 2 of the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup, Bosnia & Herzegovina bounced back by downing Kyrgyz Republic 7-2 in a fantastic encounter on Day 3 here at Rådhusplassen Square in the heart of Norway’s capital.
But despite the scoreline, it’s the goalkeeper Bosnia & Herzegovina have to thank for helping them secure the comfortable victory, with their man between the sticks pulling off no less than 10 top drawer saves to deny Kyrgyz Republic.
The first action of the match saw Kyrgyz Republic denied from the penalty spot by the Bosnia & Herzegovina keeper in a moment that would set the tone for the rest of the match. Kyrgyz Republic did however take the lead off a smart passing move, before Bosnia & Herzegovina equalised almost instantly after some nice footwork. A powerful shot from the left corner saw Kyrgyz Republic go back in front, before a right foot strike drew Bosnia & Herzegovina level. Kyrgyz Republic were then denied twice by that very Bosnia & Herzegovina keeper who dived low to his right and then caught a chip attempt while on the ground, before his team retook the lead via a piece of fortune as the Kyrgyz Republic’s save was spilled and crept in.
Bosnia & Herzegovina upped the ante straight from the restart, going 4-2 up off a quick break before a player took it all the way and slotted home for 5-2. Another great team move from Bosnia & Herzegovina put them four ahead, with Kyrgyz Republic’s attempts to get themselves back into the tie snuffed out repeatedly by their opponent’s number one.
A beautiful lofted pass and finish off the half-volley - the goal of the game - saw Bosnia & Herzegovina stretch their lead to 7-2, with Kyrgyz Republic unable to score as the clock wound down after a shot was blazed over before they hit the post in their final attack.
Bosnia & Herzegovina manager Haris Okanovic said:
“We are really satisfied with the result, the game and with everything the players showed on the pitch. We had some really bad luck yesterday with Indonesia but we made it up. So far the tournament is going really well, the organisation is going really well, the players are really happy and we hope that we will continue with this atmosphere until the end of the tournament. From game to game, the players are becoming more united. And after the game also, maybe that’s more important than during the game.
And a special mention for their goalkeeper. “I think we can also say that Bosnia always has great goalkeepers. We are lucky to have him in goal”, he added.
Words by Craig Williams | Photos by Donnie Nicholson & John Anderson