Fighting spirit, fan love, victory: ÖFB beats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1!

Fighting spirit, fan love, victory: ÖFB beats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1!

On September 10, 2025, the Austrian national team won 2-1 in the important World Cup qualifying game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The match took place in Bilino Polje Stadium took place in Zenica, which is considered one of the strongholds for the local national team. There were over 400 Austrian fans on site during the game, which contributed to the close and emotional atmosphere of the event.

Xaver Schlager, one of the key players in the ÖFB team, emphasized the need to create calm in the stadium, which was particularly important in the heated atmosphere. Christoph Baumgartner compared the Bilino Polje Stadium, which opened in 1972, to the Alte Försterei in Berlin. He highlighted the close atmosphere and the passionate support of the fans.

Game progress and team performance

The game itself was characterized by timing and reactions. After the ÖFB team quickly took the lead again after equalizing to make it 1-1, Philipp Lienhart praised the maturity and calmness of his team, especially in the final phase. David Alaba also emphasized how important the team's calmness was in emotional moments, which contributed decisively to the victory. It was notable that the stadium only fell silent twice during the game, a clear statement of the support of the home fans.

Unfortunately, Bosnia-Herzegovina has performed comparatively modestly in recent international matches, including against Germany in October 2024. It is precisely this fact that makes the Austrian victory in Zenica all the more significant. And so after the final whistle, the team stood not only for the victory, but also for the celebration with the fans who had traveled with them.

The role of the Bilino Polje Stadium

The Bilino Polje Stadium has a capacity of 15,000 spectators and is not only the home of the local football club NK Čelik, but is also considered a place strongly linked to the football culture in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Since it opened, numerous international matches have taken place there, including Bosnia-Herzegovina's first game against Albania in 1996. The NK Čelik club has enjoyed great success in the past, but today faces financial challenges and plays in the second division.

The town of Zenica, located on the Bosna River, is an industrial center known for its steel industry. This economic backbone has also brought with it numerous social and environmental challenges. Despite the difficulties, Zenica proves to be easily accessible, both by train and bus, and offers various overnight accommodation options for visitors.

In summary, the focus was not only on the Austrians' victory, but also on the impressive infrastructure and the passionate support of the fans in a stadium that, for many, represents a fortress.