Scoutmania

Norway claimed all three points at the Grbavica Stadium in Sarajevo, overcoming a rain-soaked and heavy pitch that demanded both character and physical resilience. Bosnia-Herzegovina held firm until the 70th minute, when Sindre Walle Egeli broke the deadlock with a wide free-kick that sailed directly into the net, securing a 0–1 victory for the visitors.

Bosnia-Herzegovina, coached by Branislav Krunic, set up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation in possession with the trio composed by Mesic, Keranovic and Buljubasic behind the tall striker Jaganjac. Their biggest opportunities to score came by shooting from distance, as in the dangerous curved shot by the Bosnian midfielder Kujovic which hit the bar.

An interesting solution was adopted by the home team on a free-kick, when a short combination allowed the same Kujovic to get the ball out of his feet before shooting slightly off target from just outside “the D” of the penalty box (see image below).

Out of possession they defended in a 1-4-4-2 shape which showed good compactness especially when in low block.

Norway, coached by Jan Peder Jalland in a 1-4-3-3 formation, challenged the opposition front pressure by positioning Jens Hjertø-Dahl right behind the front two (see image below). The Tromsø midfielder found plenty of space to collect the ball both from the centre-backs but also from the full-backs occupying the space behind the nearest striker.

Their striker Sindre Walle Egeli acted as a “falso nueve”, dropping to receive and play his team mates in behind. They used two inverted wingers who challenged the opposition full-backs 1v1, especially on their left side where Austbø often got past his direct opponent Taraba using his speed. While their two offensive midfielders Nypan and Ødegård attacked the opposition penalty box without the ball and had important chances to score.

One more weapon for Norway was their inswinging corners, which challenged the opposition goalkeeper who was often screened with good timing and technique (see image below).

Here two interesting profiles who stood out in this who still compete in their domestic leagues:

Nermin Mujkic (Bosnia-Herzegovina / FK Sarajevo), left-back born 2004.

Nermin is a technically gifted left-back with a good physical structure and running capacity. Precise and effective in his passes and crosses. Defensively he was composed when challenged 1v1 and well positioned to intercept forward passes.

Nermin has double nationality (Bosnia-Herzegovina / Croatia) therefore he can be considered as an option by low to mid-table Serie A Clubs not taking up one of the two slots for non-EU players.

Jens Hjertø-Dahl (Norway / Tromsø IL), defensive midfielder born 2005.

Jens is a tall and dynamic midfielder who usually plays as nr 8 for his Club in a 1-3-5-2 formation. In this match he played as nr 6 and demonstrated the ability to adapt to his new functions with great personality and flexibility. He dominated the match by linking the play but also by counterpressing immediately after losing the ball to regain possession for his team. He was able to progress with the ball and break lines and ended up in suitable positions to shoot. Defensively he was solid both in aerial duels and tackles.

Jens is an outstanding player who combine his strong physical attributes with great tactical awareness and technique. He is definitely a interesting profile for Premier League and Bundesliga mid-table Clubs.

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