When Edin Dzeko chooses to hang up his boots, his career reel will feature many standout moments.

Two Premier League crowns sit atop a strong list of trophies collected at Manchester City, Inter Milan and Wolfsburg.

Still, the lasting picture from the 40-year-old may be one of quiet resilience.

Shortly after Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Italy on penalties to reach just their second World Cup, Dzeko marked the win carefully with his arm in a sling.

Such physical reminders come naturally to someone who has shouldered a nation's dreams for nearly two decades in a land still marked by earlier trauma.

"His path mirrors the nation's spirit of endurance, determination and defying doubters," says Bosnian journalist Sasa Ibrulj.

Grouped with Canada, Switzerland and Qatar in a balanced section, the closing chapter for Dzeko as a player might open a fresh page for his nation.

The team's opening fixture is against co-hosts Canada (Friday, 20:00 BST).

The Bosnian Diamond earned his reputation amid war and hardship.

Dzeko was six when the Bosnian War erupted in 1992, claiming around 80,000 Bosnian Muslim lives. The Srebrenica Genocide by Bosnian Serb forces ranked as Europe's worst massacre since the Holocaust.

His family stayed in Sarajevo through the almost four-year siege, with Serbian snipers aiming at civilians and children. He later moved in with grandparents once his parents' home was ruined.

"It was awful," Dzeko said to the Guardian. "The entire family crammed into a small apartment of roughly 35 square metres. We lived in constant fear that someone close might be lost."

A young Dzeko often trained on a nearby pitch until his mother kept him home one day; a shell struck the field and killed several youngsters.

Post-war, Dzeko started at Zeljeznicar, yet early recognition was limited.

Nicknamed Kloc, local slang for lamp-post, due to his tall frame, Zeljeznicar officials were surprised when Czech club Teplice paid 25,000 euros for him.

Later he became the first player to net 50 goals in the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A, yet he stayed connected to his origins.

He has funded upgrades at Zeljeznicar and in 2009 became Bosnia's first Unicef ambassador.

"Fans recall he rose without privilege or a strong football network," notes Ibrulj.

"What sets him apart is that Bosnians never viewed him as remote or unapproachable."

His friend Mirza Trbonja told AFP: "When he visits, securing even ten minutes requires effort. He always stops for photos or signatures."

Dzeko debuted internationally in 2007 and owns Bosnia's records with 148 caps and 73 goals.

After falling to Portugal in play-offs for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, he guided Bosnia to their first major event post-independence.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil marked the sole appearance for the so-called golden generation, followed by further play-off losses for Euro 2016, 2020 and 2024.

Twelve years on, Bosnia conquered those demons by overcoming Wales then Italy on penalties after trailing both sides.

Ibrulj adds: "2014 felt groundbreaking as the first squad to earn Bosnia global sporting respect after independence.

"This latest qualification carries deeper emotion. After more than a decade of near-misses, pessimism grew that the chance had passed.

"For many younger fans, this squad feels truly theirs, much like older supporters connected with Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic and Emir Spahic."

Musician Alen Dokic, who created a World Cup track as Doppelganger, sees the qualification as 'Bosanski Inat', a spirit of defiance against odds.

"The motto never forget, never forgive captures our identity, our history and our strength," says Dokic.

Born in Rome to Bosnian parents, Dokic belongs to a diaspora estimated at two million.

Sergej Barbarez's World Cup squad blends veterans and fresh talent. Seventeen of the 26 players were born outside Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"It creates a special mix of players raised worldwide yet united for Bosnia," says former goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Esmir Bajraktarevic, who scored the decisive penalty, is one example. The 21-year-old grew up in Wisconsin after his family fled Srebrenica.

"The shared purpose and pride in representing Bosnia matter greatly," he says. "The country's past still leaves traces.

"When people unite in Bosnia the feeling is distinctive and powerful. For such a small nation to reach this level means a great deal."

After the Italy victory, thousands celebrated in the streets until sunrise.

"In a nation still defined by political splits, economic strain and war's shadow, shared joy holds special meaning," says Ibrulj.

Despite limited funding and facilities in a country of three million, the national team's outlook is positive. It seems right that Dzeko leads them into this period.

"For younger players he became a steady presence. Coaches and federations shifted, yet Dzeko stayed constant," says Ibrulj.

"In a place where trust in institutions can falter, such figures transcend sport."

After footage emerged of Italian players reportedly celebrating a matchup with Bosnia rather than Wales, Dzeko displayed leadership.

He urged fans to honour the Italian anthem, noting Italy were the first team to visit Bosnia after the war.

"He carries heavy expectations," says Begovic.

"He unites the group. During our time together he led quietly through actions, and others drew strength from that."

Dzeko is not attending merely to support from the bench. After a late equaliser versus Wales and an assist against Italy, the 40-year-old remains influential.

"I never expected to play at 40. A decade ago I would have said no, yet I listen to my body and prepare carefully before and after sessions," says Dzeko.

"I feel fortunate to experience this. It will transform the young players' lives in ways they cannot yet imagine."