In a heartwarming gesture, the players of Bosnia and Herzegovina paid tribute to their captain Edin Džeko during his final international match against Sweden. The match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was a special occasion for Džeko, who has been a cornerstone of the team for nearly two decades. With 73 goals in 152 appearances, Džeko is the country's all-time leading scorer. His teammates showed their appreciation by forming a guard of honor for him.
The match itself was a closely contested affair, with Sweden taking the lead in the 61st minute through a goal from Viktor Gyökeres. However, Bosnia and Herzegovina managed to level the score in the 80th minute courtesy of a Karim Alajbegović goal. The draw meant that Sweden maintained their lead in Group 4 of the 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League, while Bosnia and Herzegovina remained unbeaten.
Džeko's international career has spanned an impressive 19 years, during which he has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in Bosnian football history. His dedication and commitment to the team have earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. The tribute paid to him by his teammates was a testament to his enduring legacy.
The match was played at the Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica, which was packed with enthusiastic fans eager to catch a glimpse of Džeko in action one last time. The atmosphere was electric, with the home crowd cheering on their team and applauding Džeko's every move. Despite the pressure, Džeko and his teammates gave it their all, determined to make the occasion memorable.
Sweden's coach had predicted a tough match, and his team was not disappointed. The visitors pushed hard for a win, but Bosnia and Herzegovina's defense held firm. In the end, the draw was a fair result, given the chances created by both teams. For Džeko, however, the result was secondary to the outpouring of affection from his teammates and fans.
As Džeko walked off the pitch for the final time, he was met with a standing ovation from the crowd. It was a fitting tribute to a player who has given so much to Bosnian football. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, and his record as the country's all-time leading scorer will be hard to beat.
The draw against Sweden means that Bosnia and Herzegovina has maintained their unbeaten run, while Sweden continues to top Group 4. The results from the match will be welcomed by both teams as they look to build on their performances in the 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League. For Džeko, though, the focus is on his retirement and the memories he has created during his time with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Key points
- Edin Džeko scored 73 goals in 152 appearances for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The match against Sweden ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Džeko's international career spanned 19 years.
