He emphasized how football can give people a reason to be happy for a moment and believes that with a sincere relationship, fighting for the national emblem can bring people closer. "Football alone cannot solve all social divisions, but it can give people a reason to breathe as one for a moment. If this national team manages to awaken a shared pride across all of Bosnia and Herzegovina, then we have achieved something great, beyond sports. I don't like making big promises on this topic, but I believe that a sincere relationship, honest work, and fighting for the emblem can bring people closer," said Barbarez for 24sata.hr, then also spoke about the legendary Miroslav ฤ†iro Blaลพeviฤ‡, who "united" football in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "ฤ†iro was special, and it was hard to compare anyone to him. He had charisma, energy, and a way of stirring emotions in people. I am a different type, I have my own way and my own character. I don't try to be someone else. I believe, and the results show, that I am doing quality work with my associates." He then spoke about the Croatian national team, which, according to him, has a cult of the national team, confidence, and experience in big matches. "Croatia has shown consistency on the biggest stage in recent years, and that deserves respect. It's not easy to always be among the best. They have a cult of the national team, confidence, and experience in big matches. These are the things that make a difference in tournaments. I don't like making predictions, but Croatia is a team that can always aim for a high placement," praised Barbarez our western neighbors and continued with predictions for the upcoming World Cup, where the Vatreni are in a group with England, Ghana, and Panama. "Croatia's greatest strength is their mentality and sense for big matches. They know how to play under pressure, they know how to seize the moment. The group is not easy, but I think they have the quality and experience to advance. England is a top national team, and Panama and Ghana are certainly not teams to be taken lightly. No one is where they are by accident." The legendary striker of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team served in the military in Zagreb, which he remembers for its people, the city, and life in general. "Those were special times and a period that one remembers for many things, for the people, the city, and life in general. Zagreb was an important life stage for me then, and the outings, socializing, and stories from that time remain a part of youth that I always fondly remember," said our coach, then revealed that he never wanted to jump from the Old Bridge. "I never did because I have great respect for that endeavor. It's no shame to admit that I never had the desire to jump, and all credit to everyone who has done it." Barbarez played a total of 47 matches in the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team jersey and scored 17 goals, leading our homeland's selection to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. In his career, he played for Veleลพ, Hannover, Union Berlin, Hansa Rostock, Borussia Dortmund, HSV, and Bayer Leverkusen, where he ended his career.