by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina's second FIFA World Cup appearance, Ermedin Demirovic said simply qualifying for the tournament already feels like a major achievement.
"In Germany, it might be normal, but for us, qualification feels like the World Cup title," the 28-year-old VfB Stuttgart striker told Xinhua.
"Being part of the World Cup tournament is the biggest thing we could give to our country, and it is the greatest thing you can experience as a player.
"People in other countries can hardly imagine how excited we are, the players, the coaches and, first and foremost, the people," he added.
Bosnia, which qualified by defeating Italy in the playoffs, will face co-host Canada, Switzerland and Qatar in Group B.
"Everywhere, everyone comes and shakes your hand and says thank you," Demirovic said, adding that football gives people a chance to forget the difficulties of daily life in the country.
The striker said the public's emotional connection to the national team has grown stronger.
"In daily life, people are satisfied with simple things, such as being able to afford a coffee at a bar."
According to Demirovic, after years without major sporting success, "everyone is dedicated to our national team."
The team's ambitions remain modest as Bosnia prepares to open its campaign against Canada on June 12.
"To be around is more than we could dream of; we might extend our goals game by game," Demirovic said.
Demirovic also praised veteran captain Edin Dzeko, who at 40 is enjoying a career revival with Schalke 04.
"He has enormous quality and experience and gives everyone a motivational push," Demirovic said. ■
