Bosnia and Herzegovina return to UEFA Nations League action tomorrow with an away match against Romania, but the second Group B4 fixture will be played in highly unusual circumstances.
After earning a point in the 0-0 draw against Poland, Tarik Muharemovic and his teammates will step onto the pitch at Arena Nationala without the atmosphere normally associated with a major international match. The stadium will be without spectators, creating a very different setting for an important early-season Nations League clash.
Arena Nationala will be without supporters
The unusual setting is the result of a UEFA sanction against the Romanian Football Federation. Bosnia and Herzegovina supporters will not be able to attend, while the home side will also be without its usual backing from the stands.
That means one of the largest stadiums in this part of Europe will look and sound very different when the two national teams meet in Bucharest.
Matches without supporters can change the rhythm of a game. The usual home pressure is reduced, communication on the pitch becomes easier to hear, and the emotional momentum created by a full crowd disappears.
Bosnia arrive after a clean sheet in Poland
Bosnia and Herzegovina opened the new Nations League campaign with a 0-0 draw away to Poland. Sergej Barbarez's team remained disciplined throughout the match and left Warsaw with a point and a clean sheet.
Tarik Muharemovic started in defence and was part of a back line that kept Poland from scoring. The Leeds United defender continues to build an increasingly important role at both club and international level.
His current appearances and numbers can be followed on the Tarik Muharemovic stats page, while a broader overview of his development is available in the career section.
Romania already under pressure after opening defeat
Romania enter the match looking for their first points of the campaign after losing 2-1 away to Sweden in the opening round.
That result increases the importance of the Bosnia match for the hosts. Another setback would leave Romania with a difficult start to the group, while Bosnia have an opportunity to build on the point earned in Warsaw.
The absence of supporters removes part of Romania's usual home advantage, but Bosnia will still face a demanding opponent looking for an immediate response.
An unusual atmosphere could influence the game
International matches in large stadiums are normally shaped by noise, pressure and momentum from the stands. None of that will be present in the same way in Bucharest.
For Bosnia and Herzegovina, that could make it easier to stay composed during periods of Romanian pressure. At the same time, the visitors will still need to maintain the defensive concentration shown against Poland.
A second strong performance away from home would give Bosnia a useful platform before returning for two consecutive home fixtures.
Another important test for Muharemovic
If Muharemovic is again selected from the start, the 23-year-old will face another demanding international challenge only a few days after the match in Warsaw.
His role in Bosnia's defence continues to grow, and another strong performance would add to an important start to the season in which he is collecting experience in both the Premier League and international football.
More background on his route to senior international football is available in the Tarik Muharemovic biography.
Romania vs Bosnia and Herzegovina kicks off at 20:45
The match between Romania and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be played on Monday, September 28. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is 21:45 local time in Romania.
Sweden and Poland also meet in Group B4 on the same day.
After the trip to Bucharest, Bosnia and Herzegovina return home for two matches at Bilino Polje, facing Sweden on October 2 and Poland on October 5.
Further confirmed team news and match updates involving Muharemovic will be published in the latest Tarik Muharemovic news.
Tomorrow's match will therefore combine several unusual factors: an important Nations League fixture, a Romania side looking to respond after defeat, and a major stadium without the atmosphere usually provided by thousands of supporters.
