Bosnian media and fans were furious at New Zealand referees on Sunday after their team’s 0-1 loss to Nigeria and elimination from their first World Cup.
“Theft in Cuiaba — Bosnia says goodbye after shameful refereeing,” the Sarajevo daily Dnevni Avaz said.
“Bosnia’s regular goal disallowed, then handed as a present to Nigeria,” fumed the Nezavisne Novine from Banjaluka.
Edin Dzeko’s 20th-minute goal was ruled an offside. Eight minutes later Emenike ploughed through a Bosnian defender to deliver Odemwingie for the winning goal. Bosnian media insist that Dzeko was not in an illegal position and that Nigeria scored after Emenike had committed a foul.
After losing their maiden World Cup appearance against Argentina, Bosnia is left without a chance of advancing past the group stage.
“We hope that (the world football organisation) FIFA will finally realise the horror it creates by allowing people like Peter O’Leary to referee,” the news portal Klix.ba said.
