Dzeko's Twist of Fate: Ice Pack Hero Watches Bosnia Qualify for World Cup

Shoulder injury rules Džeko out of the shootout | Image: Reuters

Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko suffered a shoulder injury in the dying seconds against Italy, forcing him to watch the penalty shootout while clutching an ice pack. The 40-year-old called it 'fate' as his teammates secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 4-1 penalty win. 

Bosnia defeats Italy 3-2 on penalties, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup...

Dramatic scenes in Zenica: Bosnia's all-time top scorer Edin Dzeko goes down injured right before the decisive shootout against Italy. Clutching ice and later wearing a sling, Dzeko smiled and said it was 'fate' as his teammates delivered World Cup qualification.

Edin Dzeko's Bitter Pill

Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko suffered a last-gasp injury, ruling him out of the World Cup qualifier penalty shootout against Italy. Dzeko believes it was destiny that kept him from the shootout, which Bosnia won 3-2 after a 1-1 draw.

Dzeko's injury came in the dying seconds, sparking mixed emotions as Bosnia secured their World Cup spot. You can find more about Bosnia's World Cup qualification online if you're interested.

Bosnia's all-time top scorer, Edin Dzeko, was seen heading to the centre circle for the coin toss with an ice pack on his shoulder, raising concerns among home fans. The 40-year-old striker had suffered a shoulder injury late in the match against Italy, ruling him out of the penalty shootout.

Dzeko's injury was a result of a foul by Davide Frattesi, and he was seen receiving treatment on the turf as the final whistle blew. Despite his injury, Dzeko led the celebrations after Bosnia's thrilling win over Italy, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup.

“I keep saying it must have been fate, for it to happen in the last second of the match, and then for me not to be able to take a penalty,” Dzeko said at a euphoric ⁠press conference on Wednesday.

“Someone else stepped up instead of me, scored, and in the end, we won.

“Who knows, maybe if I had taken it, I wouldn't have scored, so it all feels like it comes ‌from above.”

Bosnia's goalkeeper, Nikola Vasilj, had a relatively easy time in the shootout, as Italy's Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante missed their penalties, with Esposito's shot flying high over the bar and Cristante's hitting the crossbar. Meanwhile, Bosnia's young penalty takers, 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic and 21-year-old Esmir Bajraktarevic, showed remarkable calmness and composure to score their penalties, securing Bosnia's spot in the World Cup.

Bosnia's thrilling win over Italy marks their second World Cup appearance, with their first being in 2014. The team's captain, Edin Dzeko, was injured during the match but is expected to recover in time for the tournament.

Edin Dzeko, Bosnia's captain and all-time top scorer, was seen celebrating with his team wearing a sling, still in place during the press conference, after suffering a shoulder injury late in the match against Italy. Despite the setback, Dzeko sounded optimistic about recovering in time for the 2026 World Cup finals, saying “We're all relieved about the arm, it's not the worst-case scenario.”

Dzeko's injury has raised concerns, but coach Sergej Barbarez hopes it's not serious, stating, “I hope that it is not a great injury to Edin Dzeko and that he will be able to be with us at the World Cup, because he does not have much time.”

“We're all relieved about the arm, it's not the worst‑case scenario,” Dzeko said.

“Most likely it won't need surgery. ⁠So I hope that in ⁠maybe a month, month ‌and a half, I should be back.”