Bosnia’s first appearance in a World Cup finals has been far from disgraceful. They were edged out by one of the tournament favourites (Argentina) 2-1 in their Group F opener while they were again beaten by one goal against Nigeria in round two. Nigeria held firm at the back against what I thought was a very good attacking line up from the Bosnians. However, a lack of fluidity up front and a reliance on set pieces will inhibit Bosnia from opening their World Cup account against Iran on Wednesday night.
Iran have also struggled to score goals. They drew 0-0 with Nigeria in their opener, before holding Argentina goalless for over 90 minutes. Only a late wonderstrike from Lionel Messi prevented the Iranians from celebrating the greatest performance their national side has ever produced. This game will be tight and has all the hallmarks of being low-scoring. Iran may have a hunger about them because if they can beat Bosnia, and Argentina beat Nigeria by a couple of goals, the Iranians will progress to the next round.
The current odds on Iran beating Bosnia are 13/5.
LATEST MATCH ODDS – Bosnia 
v Iran World Cup 2014
Bosnia 6/5 with BET365 and William Hill
Draw 5/2
Iran 13/5
FIRST GOALSCORER
Edin Dzeko 9/2
Vedad Ibisevic 13/2 with BET365
Reza Ghoochannejhad 8/1
Zvjezdan Misimovic 9/1
Karim Ansarifard 9/1
Izet Hajrovic 12/1
CORRECT SCORE
Draw 1-1 13/2
Bosnia 1-0 13/2 with William Hill
Bosnia 2-1 9/1
Draw 0-0 9/1
Bosnia 2-0 10/1
Iran 1-0 12/1
Iran 2-1 14/1
Draw 2-2 16/1
TOTAL GOALS
Under 2.5 8/11
Over 2.5 11/10
BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
Yes 10/11
No EVS
HIGHEST SCORING HALF
2nd half 6/5
1st half 23/10
Draw 5/2
VERDICT: In head-to-heads between the two sides, Bosnia have never beaten Iran in five attempts – there have been four victories for Iran. Add to that record, Iran have a chance of qualifying from the group to the round of 16, then that should be motivation enough for them to nick a winner against an ordinary Bosnian outfit. Back a low-scoring 1-0 victory to Iran with a goal scored in the second period after a cagey first half.
