ZENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina - Bosnia defeated Italy on penalties Tuesday to secure their second World Cup appearance.
Manager Sergej Barbarez remained composed, praising his team’s resilience. "I've never entered or finished a game calmer," he said. "They’re guys with character."
Italy, four-time champions, failed to reach the finals for the third consecutive tournament. Bosnia trailed early but equalized late after Italy was reduced to 10 men.
Eighteen-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, who scored the decisive penalty against Wales in the semifinal, repeated his heroics in the shootout.
Defender Nikola Katic described the emotion of the night: “I’ve never cried after a game… I’m so proud.”