Bosnia's morale high despite injury worries

Bosnia and Herzegovina enter the intermediate play-off matches on Wednesday and Saturday for a spot at the second qualification phase for the EHF EURO 2016 full of confidence.

Five wins in six matches in late 2013 and in January 2014 in the battle for the World Championship play-offs have strongly boosted the team’s morale.

And now head coach Dragan Markovic and his players have only one wish: to make the qualification for EHF EURO 2016 and the World Championship 2015, Bosnia and Herzegovina have never reached an event of that level, come true.

"There is always something unpredictable in our team,” said Markovic at a press conference in Sarajevo.

"We had problems with left side players last time, while now we can’t count on our line players. Our captain Muhamed Toromanovic has a problem with one of his ears, while I will use (goalkeeper) Benjamin Buric only if I have to."

Furthermore the ‘No.1’ between the posts, Nebojsa Grahovac, has to stay with his club, French side Chartres, and won’t be able to help his teammates in these important matches.

"Greece have a few new players, but the biggest threat are the players who previously played in German Bundesliga.

"We will play without the suspended Vladimir Vranjes, (which is a pity) as he forms one of the best defensive couples in Europe together with Mirsad Terzic," added Markovic.

Despite all problems, team captain Muhamed Toromanovic is optimistic ahead of the two matches.

"“I hope that I will be ready for these clashes. We have to show fighting spirit from the very beginning to confirm that we are the better squad."

Goalkeeper Benjamin Buric knows that it will be difficult to beat Greece.

"I hope that our winning streak will continue. We will try to use all the possible chances. Our biggest advantage is that we play the second match at home in Cazin."

The first leg will be played in Thessaloniki on 2 April; the reverse fixture throws off on 5 April.

The winners of the play-off matches will qualify for the Men's EHF EURO 2016 Qualification Phase 2 for which Round 1 throws off on 29 October 2014.

The final tournament in Poland will take place from 17 to 31 January 2016.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s squad for the play-offs against Greece:

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Buric (RK Gorenje), Adam Savic (Gijon), Josip Cavar (Redbergslids);

Left wings: Vedran Delic (Bosna Sarajevo), Alen Ovcina (Al Schamal);

Right wings: Faruk Vrazalic (Eisenach), Muhamed Zulfic (Bosna Sarajevo);

Left backs: Nikola Prce (PICK Szeged), Mirsad Terzic (MVM MKB Veszprem), Dusko Celica (Cesson), Ivan Milas (Wisla Plock);

Centre backs: Ivan Karacic (Meshkov Brest), Josip Peric (Bosna);

Right backs: Dejan Malinovic (Meshkov Brest), Marko Panic (Chambery), Kosta Savic (Csurgoi);

Line players: Muhamed Toromanovic (Wisla Plock), Elmir Gradan (Bosna Sarajevo), Damir Halilkovic (Bosna Sarajevo)