Fact or fake: Haris Tabaković on Bosnia and Herzegovina | OneFootball

Haris Tabaković was born in Switzerland, but his family comes from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is why, when deciding which national team to play for, the striker chose his parents' home country. In a conversation with SPIELFELD, the 30 year old playfully dispels a few clichés and speaks enthusiastically about a country which holds great significance for TSG Hoffenheim.

You won't find better ćevapčići anywhere else. (Fact)

"Even though Andrej Kramarić, as a Croatian, will probably say something different - but that's definitely true. I love ćevapčići, but only when it's done well. Bosnia and Herzegovina has the best dishes. The lepinja (bread - editor's note) has to be homemade and should rise slightly. Combine that with ajvar and onions, and you've got one of the best dishes."

Sarajevo is the most popular destination for tourists. (Fake)

"I think Sarajevo is the most well-known city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but I think tourists mostly associate Bosnia and Herzegovina with the bridge in Mostar. My family comes from near Mostar and we have an apartment there, and it's incredibly beautiful."

Bosnian fans are extremely passionate. (Fact)

"They're probably even some of the most passionate fans in the world. Unlike with other national teams, there's even a proper area in the stadium for the hardcore fans. They always give everything they have. When things are going well, you can hardly ask for better supporters, but when it sometimes isn't going so well, like now, it can also get very emotional. It's incredible the lengths that the fans go to to support the team."

There are beautiful waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Fact)

"I haven't seen all of them yet, but there really are a lot of beautiful spots in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don't know whether they're the most beautiful waterfalls in Europe, but they mean a lot to us. They're popular destinations for day trips, and of course especially in the summer they're an amazing sight and can also be a great way to cool down."

For TSG, Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most important countries in the world. (Fact)

"It really is crazy how our small country can be so important to a Bundesliga club. After TSG's promotion to the Bundesliga in 2008, I followed the first half of the league very closely, and was incredibly happy for Vedad Ibisevic and Sejad Salihović. Later on, Ermin Bičakčić also became a fan favourite, and now I'm here too, another Bosnian."

You can also just say Bosnia. (Fake)

"It won't cause an argument, but you should really say Bosnia and Herzegovina. For example, I come from Herzegovina, which is the southern part of the country. People also place a lot of importance on the part of the country that they come from. It's the same as in other countries. If you just said Bosnia, you'd basically be leaving out the whole of the South."

In recent years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has produced good strikers. (Fact)

"It really is incredible. Not least because it's always classic number nines, and almost every single one has played in the Bundesliga. It started with Sergej Barbarez, then there was Vedad Ibisevic, and of course Edin Dzeko as well. He's a legend for us, when you see what he's already achieved and is still achieving. And now with Ermedin Demirovic and myself, we have two more strikers who are playing in the Bundesliga."