How Baždarević revived Bosnia and Herzegovina

A 3-1 home win against Israel has taken Bosnia and Herzegovina on to eight points in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying and, though still fifth in the standings, within touching distance of the four teams above them: Wales (14 points), Belgium (11) and Israel and Cyprus (both 9). Mehmed Baždarević has two wins from as many competitive games since taking charge in December – but how has he turned it round?

What was wrong before?
Considered one of the favourites going into Group B, having reached the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in 2014, Bosnia and Herzegovina swiftly turned themselves into outsiders, taking just two points from their first four matches. The tone was set by a 2-1 home defeat against Cyprus in their opening fixture, a result that led to suggestions the visitors had been underestimated.

Draws against Wales (0-0) and Belgium (1-1) preceded November's 3-0 loss in Israel and, having gone into the match with no strikers in the squad and nine midfielders, Safet Sušić paid with his job. Enter Baždarević, the country's first captain.

Mehmed Baždarević has breathed new life into Bosnia and Herzegovina©Fedja Krvavac

Depth of squad
The new man made no outlandish promises and has not changed much about the squad. His team has been based on the side who played the first two qualifying fixtures but, importantly, he has expanded the size of the selection with the aim of two strong players for each position.

Play for the shirt
"I've come to take the Dragons to France, where I actually live," Baždarević said on taking charge, the coach having spent much of his playing and coaching career in Ligue 1. "If they could get to Brazil, I don't see why they can't go to France." The coach has been travelling round Europe visiting current and potential players, sharing his plan, explaining what he wants – and convincing them that they must show more for the team. His mantra has been simple, yet constantly repeated: "All the players who want to play with their whole hearts for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and have quality – the doors are open."

Small steps
Even the biggest optimists were harbouring doubts the team could qualify for next summer's finals after that disastrous start, but the 3-0 win against Andorra on 28 March finally secured a first win of the campaign. Hope was further boosted by the 1-1 friendly draw with Austria three days later.

Short-term goals; forensic preparation
France might be the overall aim but before the Israel game the focus was solely on getting three points. Boosting the players' confidence following the autumn defeat in Haifa was paramount, but even more telling was the planning.

The players were fully focused on beating Israel©Fedja Krvavac

The preparations are particularly specific in Baždarević's coaching staff, with everyone – players, staff, security, even journalists – having to obey the rules. Every exercise, every move a player makes, is monitored, trying to reduce errors to a minimum. "No mistakes," says Baždarević.

The match duly won, thoughts have already turned to the next game – Saturday morning will be spent preparing to face Belgium on 3 September. "Beating Israel is big, and it was what we needed," said Baždarević. "That's only possible when the players do what we agreed."