The first appearance, the first goal and the first win

Bosnia and Herzegovina made a debut in the World Cup.

Although the soccer level of Bosnia and Herzegovina is very high, it was a long way to participating the World Cup. 

Many of the players have grown up under the terrible horrible Bosnian War.

Even after the end of the war, the religious and ethnic conflict is deep-rooted.
An old brother of one of the player said his young brother has been branded as a traitor by people in the same ethnic group. Because he plays with people in the different ethnic groups??

There were 3 chairman in the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association, Muslim Bosniak, Orthodox Serb and Catholic Croat.
I think that it's an abnormal circumstance, but is indicate the depth of religious and ethnic conflicts.

Because they was not able to solve that abnormal situation, they were suspended by FIFA and UEFA. So many people related to Bosnia and Herzegovina soccer have tried hard to solve it, it was not easy though.
Their first participation in the World Cup was accomplished with MUCH effort of MANY people.

At their 1st game, versus Argentina, although they lost the game, the memorable first goal in the World Cup was scored by Ibisevic.

Ibisevic scored

At their 2nd game, versus Nigeria, they also lost the game.
However, I can say that they would have definitely won if there weren't twice misjudgments.
In fact, the ace striker, Dzeko said that we were going back home, but the ｒeferee also should go home.
If Bosnia and Herzegovina has won this game, they would have been able to move to the 2nd stage!!
I know that "if bla bla bla" is meaningless though.

Disappointed Dzeko

At their 3rd game, versus Iran, they finally scored their first win!!!

I wonder if this wonderful wining can help Bosnia and Herzegovina solve their ethic conflict even a little.

I was born and grow up in a homogeneous country Japan, so it's hard for me to understand the situation of their country. So maybe I shouldn't comment on it.

However, if there are 2 options, "killing each other" and "playing some sports in the same team together for own country", which do people want to choose?