- Nikola Katic helps Bosnia beat Italy on penalties to reach World Cup finals.
- Defender admits he was in tears after emotional qualification victory.
- Former Rangers man played full match including extra time.
Former Rangers defender Nikola Katic has secured a place at the World Cup after helping Bosnia defeated Italy in the play-offs.
The current Schalke centre-back played the full match in Zenica, including extra time, as the Bosnians edged past the 10-man Italians on penalties to book their place in Group B.
Nikola Katic fights tears
Katic spoke emotionally about what the achievement meant to him.
“I’ve never cried after a match in my life,” he revealed.
“I’m 29 years old, but I have tears in my eyes tonight.
“I’m really proud. This is the crowning glory of all of us after two years of hard work.
“We’ve won two matches against serious opponents. We played one of the best teams in the world today and we beat them.”
Bosnia fell behind before fighting back to earn a draw following Alessandro Bastoni’s dismissal.
Katic also highlighted the wider significance of the result to the Balkan nation.
“Only football can bring this much joy to everyone,” he explained.
“To this suffering country, we have seen many times that sport creates new things, improves people’s lives.
“Everything will be more beautiful. People will be happier when they go to work in the morning.
“I’m at a loss for words. I’m shaking and I got goosebumps ”
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Katic spent four years at Ibrox.
Signed by Steven Gerrard in 2018, he was a regular starter during his first two seasons, scoring a memorable winner against Celtic in December 2019.
However, a serious injury in the summer of 2020 effectively ended his Rangers career, keeping him sidelined for the entire title-winning campaign.
He later spent a season on loan at Hajduk Split before completing a permanent move to Zurich in 2022.
In total, Katic scored six goals in 59 appearances for Rangers.
Katic later joined Plymouth Argyle on loan, featuring in their famous FA Cup victory over Liverpool last season.
He will link up with former Rangers teammate Juninho Bacuna in North America for the tournament, and could also be joined by Cedric Itten, who remains an outside bet for the Switzerland squad.
