It has been a disappointing World Cup debut for Bosnia-Herzegovina, who are going to be eliminated without going to the next round. However, they can spoil Iran’s slim chance to make it to the knockout stage and as they’ve never beaten the Iranians, they have a little extra motivation going into this Group F finale on Wednesday in Brazil.
World Cup Odds: Bosnia-Herzegovina +110, Iran +235, Draw +255
Why Bosnia-Herzegovina Can Win
Bosnia-Herzegovina has nothing to lose heading into this game, and they’ve been slightly unlucky in their first World Cup. They gave Argentina all they could handle and more in a 2-1 loss in the opener, then they had a goal incorrectly called back for offside and perhaps a penalty shout in a 1-0 loss to Nigeria. They are learning quickly that you need a couple of breaks in the World Cup and had things gone their way, they could be playing for a spot in the next round.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has players like forward Edin Dzeko, midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic and defender/captain Emir Spahic who are 28, 32 and 33 years old, respectively. This could be the last time any in this trio plays in a World Cup game and they’ll want to take a point back home in their World Cup debut. They’ll leave it all out on the pitch on Wednesday.
Why Iran Can Win
Iran didn’t really look like winning against Nigeria, but they stepped up their game against Argentina, defending in numbers and they even tested the South Americans on the counterattack. Reza Ghoochannejhad has been immense up front for Iran as he has been on his own for much of the tournament, but he threatened Argentina every chance he got and he could have a goal in him yet, which would be well deserved.
However, you have to wonder how much Iran has left in the tank after their incredible performance in their 1-0 loss to Argentina. They stuck to their gameplan and executed it brilliantly, but came up short. That might have taken everything they had and now they have to go out and get a goal, which leaves them exposed against a dangerous side in Bosnia-Herzegovina, one that has nothing on their minds except playing the spoiler. Iran can be proud of the way they have played so far in the World Cup, but their job might be simply too big for their talent and energy levels.
Outlook
Iran has actually dominatedBosnia-Herzegovina, winning four and drawing one of their five meetings since 2001. The two usually score a lot of goals as well and Iran will have to attack more than we have seen, but that could play into the favor of Bosnia-Herzegovina, who won’t want to go back home with no points in their World Cup debut. This should be a relatively entertaining game, especially if Iran decides to come out and play, but Bosnia-Herzegovina has a chip on their shoulder and they’ll take their frustrations out on a tired Iran.
Pick: Bosnia-Herzegovina
