Nurkic: I almost flew home when Bosnia qualified

• Bosnian NBA star Nurkic is a massive football fan

• Utah Jazz centre has already bought World Cup tickets

• He is positive about Bosnia and Herzegovina's chances of progressing

NBA star Jusuf Nurkic knows all about the challenge of helping Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify for a major international tournament. The 6ft 11in Utah Jazz centre played a key role in his national men's basketball team punching their ticket to FIBA EuroBasket in both 2022 and 2025.

A keen football fan, Nurkic was thrilled when Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Italy on penalties in the European play-offs to reach the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time since Brazil 2014 and just the second time in history. So much so that he almost jumped on a plane to go back to his home country to celebrate.

Nurkic, who is nicknamed the 'Bosnian Beast', spoke to FIFA about his reaction to the Italy victory, his thoughts on Bosnia and Herzegovina's group stage opponents and the growth of football in the United States.

FIFA: Were you able to watch Bosnia and Herzegovina's play-off match with Italy live?

Jusuf Nurkic: I was at our home in Utah, watching on TV. It was special, I am super-proud. We were all nervous, as an athlete you can predict it was going to be a really rough game and maybe penalties would decide it. It ended up on penalties... a few days before we beat Wales the same way so I thought we were in good shape and had confidence. All the pressure was on Italy, which is normal as they have been a powerhouse forever.

For the whole country it is deeper than the World Cup. We didn't have expectations to make it, we were in a rebuild mode with a young team. Everyone in the country was looking for this... and when it happened I almost flew home! I wanted to be part of it. I had to figure it out and tell the coach and tell him, 'I'm a crazy Bosnian and want to celebrate!' We will have so many fans in the USA, people will be surprised.

You helped Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify for two FIBA EuroBasket tournaments. Does that help you understand what they went through to get to the World Cup?

I do. Football is the main sport in Bosnia, like it is around the world. We have amazing support in basketball but it's not about us, it's about football and the guys did a great job. The country was united, the majority of people were celebrating all over the cities and seeing what brings us together is amazing.

What do you think of Bosnia and Herzegovina's group — Canada, Qatar and Switzerland?

In basketball we always play tough teams like France in our groups and now we have a group that is mellow. I am happy for that but you cannot disrespect anyone, you have to show up and be your best to win the game. But I definitely see our chances. It's obviously important how you start but as you can see with our last two games, it's how you finish. I feel like all the pressure will be on Canada [in our opener] because they are playing at home.

Are you planning on going to any World Cup games?

Oh yes, of course. I think I will skip the Canada game for now and I have tickets for (Switzerland in) Los Angeles and (Qatar in) Seattle. I think we will be ready for sure because we play free.

Have you been to a World Cup before?

This is my first World Cup. I was younger for Brazil 2014 and couldn't make it. Now it's taking place in the USA, this is my home too. It is a dream come true for me. It's dope.

Do you know any players on the national team?

I know all of them pretty much. Not personally on a friendship level but I've been in contact with them. They are looking to do even more for the country, they cannot play for a bigger goal. That's what makes it special, they are not just playing for themselves.

In 2019, fans at a Bosnia and Herzegovina game cheered your name after you suffered an injury with the Portland Trail Blazers. What did that moment mean to you?

They are the best as far as support. That was a tough moment in my life and they were there for me. There is a deep connection and I feel that I give them joy back too when I play for the [basketball] national team.

Is there a big community of football fans in the NBA? Is it something you talk about in the dressing rooms of the teams you have been on?

All the time. I called my former [Denver Nuggets] team-mate Danilo Gallinari before the [Italy] game. He said, 'We are going to win'. And I said maybe in Italy but here [in Bosnia] your chances are really dropping. It's always good, even right now we talk about it, with the groups...

What do you think of the growth of football in the States since you've been in the country?

It's amazing. I feel every year someone comes over like Lionel Messi to bring value to the sport. Just look at the [Major League Soccer] teams between a few years ago and now, it's not even comparable. There is a lot of history in England and Spain but I feel like football in the States has the most upside.

Source: FIFA.com