Esmir Bajraktarević and mom, brother, sister and dad traveled to Seattle to watch him play in the World Cup againt Qatra. (Courtesy: Bajraktarević Family)
NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Not all Northeast Wisconsin eyes will be on the U.S. Men’s National Team when they take on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night.
One Fox Valley family will be closely watching their 2.0, in the first knockout round of the World Cup.
“I will have a tear if he scores. I’m American, but he’s Esmir,” said Kevin Wasco.
Esmir Bajraktarevic, the U.S.-born professional soccer player from Appleton, who plays for Bosnia and Herzegovina, is like a second son to Kevin Wasco of Neenah.
According to Wasco, “He was not just special as a player, he was just a special kid. He was a good kid, just like all our kids, and that’s where all of them fit together.”
Family friends for more than two decades, Wasco’s own son, Liam, grew up playing in the front yard and competitive soccer with Bajraktarevic. The two consider each other brothers.
“Everyone always asks what it’s like being so close to. For me, it’s just like family. That’s all I can really say. It’s, they’re just family 2.0, blood 2.0,” added Liam.
After surviving group play, Bajraktarevic will suit up against the United States in Wednesday night’s round of 32 game.
Liam Wasco said, “I’m proud of him for even making it past the group stage. But he’s making history. I know he’s excited. I’m just happy he’s even there.”
The Wascos, fully understanding the sacrifice Bajraktarevic made, leaving home at 16 to pursue a professional soccer career. His allegiance to his parent’s home country and his heritage are just part of what makes him special.
“I’m proud of how he’s done. I’m proud of how he’s overcome,” added the elder Wasco.
And they’ll be proud to watch him play Wednesday night and beyond.
Liam said, “Our family, we all support him. His family, all our old teammates like everyone talks about him here. He knows the what it means to us, we know what it means to him. We’re all happy for him. It’s great.”
And no matter what happens on Wednesday, to the Wascos, Esmir Bajraktarevic is always a winner.
While Kevin Wasco says he’s keeping his watch plans for the game under wraps, Liam Wasco says he’s still trying to get to Santa Clara for the game.
The U.S. and Bosnia faceoff Wednesday night at 7 p.m.
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