SOCCER: Bosnia's Barbarez cool as ice after reaching World Cup in shootout with Italy

ZENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina – Bosnia stunned four-time champions Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout on Tuesday, securing a spot in the World Cup for the second time. Manager Sergej Barbarez praised his players’ character, remaining calm throughout the tense match in Zenica.

After overcoming a goal down to beat Wales on penalties in Thursday’s semi-final, Bosnia repeated the feat, leaving Italy unable to reach the finals for the third consecutive time.

“I told the players to go on the pitch and enjoy themselves,” Barbarez said. “I’ve never entered or finished a game calmer. I saw it in their eyes—they’re guys with character. We’re two years ahead of schedule, and now I’ve told them we have to go to a tournament every two years.”

Bosnia fell behind after 15 minutes, but even after Italy was reduced to 10 men before halftime, the hosts managed to equalize just 11 minutes from time.

“At the beginning of the first half, we had some problems,” Barbarez admitted. “We weren’t organized, weren’t standing where we should have been, and didn’t take care of the opponents. That’s why we conceded some counter-attacks. But against a world-class team defending even with 10 players, you could see we believed from the first moment.”

Eighteen-year-old winger Kerim Alajbegovic, who scored the winning penalty against Wales, came off the bench again to deliver a decisive spot-kick in the shootout. Barbarez explained his decision not to start the teenager.

“We decided we needed Kerim in our second plan,” he said. “He’s 18, in his first senior season. Sometimes it’s good to do things like this. He understands, and I talked to him before the match.”

Defender Nikola Katic was visibly emotional after the win.

“I’ve never cried after a game, I’m 29, and now the tears have started,” Katic said. “We showed great spirit and crowned it in these two matches against serious opponents. Everyone will be happier at work tomorrow. I’m so proud—I’m shaking and have goosebumps.”

-Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Clarence Fernandez/Reuters