Edin Dzeko has opportunity to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric in exclusive World Cup group.

Edin Dzeko was instrumental as Bosnia and Herzegovina advanced past Wales on Thursday, and now he has the opportunity to join Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric as one of the oldest players ever to participate in a World Cup.

Dzeko’s Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Italy on Tuesday, with the victor securing a place in the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Dzeko, who previously played for Manchester City and is currently with Schalke, celebrated his 40th birthday earlier in March. Only one outfield player has ever competed in a World Cup at over 40 years of age: Roger Milla of Cameroon in 1994.

Milla was 42 years and 39 days old when he played against Russia, scoring during that match.

However, Milla will not be alone in the record books this summer, regardless of Dzeko’s participation.

Modric is expected to lead Croatia this summer in his sixth World Cup, while fellow former Real Madrid player Ronaldo will do the same for Portugal.

Ronaldo turned 41 in February, while Modric will reach 41 in September.

– Spiky and unforgettable, Wales went ‘full gas’ but paid the price
– Bosnia and Herzegovina through to World Cup playoff final

While it is uncommon for an outfield player over 40 to appear in a World Cup, six goalkeepers have achieved this; Essam al Haddary, 45 in 2018, Farryd Mondragon, 43 in 2014, Pat Jennings, 41 in 1986, Peter Shilton, 40 in 1990, Dino Zoff, 40 in 1982, and Ali Boumnijel, 40 in 2006.

Dzeko netted Bosnia and Herzegovina’s equalizer late in the match against Wales in Cardiff, before the visitors emerged victorious in the penalty shootout during the playoff semifinal.