Edin Džeko Prepares For Emotional International Farewell Match Against Sweden

Džeko reached his 150th international appearance during the group stage, and his 73 goals included 26 in World Cup qualifying, 14 in European Championship qualifying, nine in the Nations League and two at World Cup finals.
Džeko had helped Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify for its second World Cup, following the country’s first appearance at the 2014 tournament.
Sweden’s preparations were hit by an illness outbreak that ruled out Yasin Ayari, Benjamin Nygren, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Elliot Stroud and Patrik Wålemark, in addition to the injured Alexander Isak.
Džeko said his children were unhappy about his retirement, adding: “Now all that remains is to take my children by the hand, go to the stands and cheer for our Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Edin Džeko is playing his final match for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Sweden in the UEFA Nations League, ending a 20-year international career as the country's all-time leading scorer with 73 goals and record appearance-maker with 150 caps Nogomania. The 40-year-old striker said representing Bosnia fulfilled a childhood dream, though he acknowledged the farewell has stirred strong emotions Yahoo Sports.
Džeko stressed the match against Sweden is not merely ceremonial. Bosnia trail Sweden in the group, and a victory could move them into the lead Vijesti. He also emphasized Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica holds special meaning for the team and hoped to sign off with a win Heavy. His children were unhappy about his retirement, but Džeko said: 'Now all that remains is to take my children by the hand, go to the stands and cheer for our Bosnia and Herzegovina' Yahoo Sports.
Džeko reached 150 international appearances during the group stage, cementing his status as Bosnia's most-capped player Nogomania. His 73 goals came across multiple competitions: 26 in World Cup qualifying, 14 in European Championship qualifying, nine in the Nations League, and two at World Cup finals Nogomania. He helped Bosnia qualify for its second World Cup, following the country's first appearance at the 2014 tournament Heavy.
Sweden's preparations for the match were disrupted by a widespread illness that ruled out five players: Yasin Ayari, Benjamin Nygren, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Elliot Stroud, and Patrik Wålemark Nogomania. The absences compounded Sweden's already depleted roster, as striker Alexander Isak was also unavailable through injury Nogomania. The losses could significantly weaken Sweden's attacking threat in the Nations League match.
The match at Bilino Polje carries both emotional weight and competitive importance for Bosnia Vijesti. Džeko said the stadium holds special meaning for his team, and he aimed to end his career with a victory Heavy. Though Sweden fielded a weakened side, Bosnia knew a win could vault them into first place in their Nations League group Nogomania. The final match showcased Džeko's professionalism: even in retirement, he prioritized the team's competitive goal.
The farewell match was honored with a drone display, fireworks, and chants of Džeko's name from the crowd at Bilino Polje Nogomania. Supporters from both Bosnia and Sweden's bench joined in applause for the Bosnian legend Nogomania. The match ended in a 1-1 draw Yahoo Sports, marking a bittersweet conclusion to two decades of service. For Džeko, the moment represented the end of an era—he now faced the transition to supporting Bosnia from the stands with his children.
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