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World Cup 2014 Preview: Bosnia and Herzegovina - Iran

Iran look to gain unlikely passage to the second round of the World Cup against a Bosnia side hoping to get their first points of the tournament.

World Cup 2014 Preview: Bosnia and Herzegovina - Iran
oliver-lines
By Oliver Lines

Bosnia and Herzegovina attempt to avoid ending their World Cup without a point when they take on Iran in Salvador on Wednesday.

The Eastern European side narrowly lost both their opening games, 2-1 to Argentina and 1-0 to Nigeria, so are now playing for pride whilst trying not finish at the foot of Group F.

They are likely to field the same side that lost to Nigeria, although top scorer Vedad Ibisevic may replace a misfiring Edin Dzeko up front after coming off the bench in both matches.

Despite having just one point after drawing 0-0 against Nigeria and losing 1-0 to Argentina, Iran can still qualify for the next round if they beat Bosnia and Nigeria lose to Argentina in the other Group F game.

They are unlikely to make any changes to the team that almost got a draw against Argentina, although Vancouver Whitecaps full back Steven Beitashour may come in to add stability at the back.

Whilst it's unlikely Iran will go through due to the fact they are the only team in the tournament who haven't scored, a scrappy goal could win it as their tenacious defense should be able to keep Bosnia out.

Probable Starting XIs: 

Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-4-2): Asmir Begovic; Mensur Mudjza, Toni Sunjic, Emir Spahic, Haris Medunjanin; Miralem Pjanic, Muhamed Besic, Zvjezdan Misimovic, Senad Lulic; Edin Dzeko, Vedad Ibisevic.

Iran (4-5-1): Alireza Haghighi; Pejman Montazeri, Seyed Hosseini, Amirhossein Sadeghi, Mehrdad Pooladi; Andranik Teymourian, Javad Nekonam, Ashkan Dejagah, Masoud Shojaei, Ehsan Haji Safi; Reza Ghoochannejhad.