Bosnia and Herzegovina coach Sergej Barbarez believes the way his young players have enthused experienced stars such as 40-year-old Edin Džeko was key to World Cup qualification - and could help them spring a surprise in North America.
The Bosnians face co-hosts Canada in their Group B opener in Toronto on Friday before taking on Switzerland and Qatar later in the month.
"The young ones have, with their manner, given our experienced players real zeal. Edin Džeko has achieved everything in his career. But when I see how he, Sead Kolašinac or Nikola Katić have been geed up by the boys, it warms my heart," Barbarez told Germany's Kicker magazine on Monday.
Bosnia secured their second World Cup berth as an independent nation through the European play-offs after penalty drama against four-times champions Italy.
"We know where we come from. But we are also not there just to be spectators. We have the ambition to get through the group stage," Barbarez said.
"We want there to be euphoria. We all have the images stored in our minds of how we were welcomed in Sarajevo after the win against Italy."
The 54-year-old is hoping that striker Haris Tabaković, who spent the club season just finished on loan at Borussia Mönchengladbach from Hoffenheim, will be able to play at the World Cup after a foot injury.
"The healing process is going very well, Haris feels good. Realistically, if everything goes to plan, he can be ready to play between the second and third match," the coach said.
