Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Iran | Wednesday 25 June | Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador | 18:00
Iran’s obstinate resistance against Argentina almost turned this group inside out. That being said, Lionel Messi’s greatness was always bound to play a part and Iran now stand on the brink of joining Bosnia-Herzegovina in exiting the FIFA World Cup. Bosnia-Herzegovina fans may be burning effigies of Peter Odemwingie for some time to come, but that should not detract from the fact that they have played some enterprising football at this World Cup. And they still have the opportunity of shaping the destiny of this year’s World Cup, with Iran and Nigeria still vying for the last qualification spot.
To Win (90mins)
Bosnia-Herzegovina 11/10
Draw 22/10
Iran 26/10
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Edin Dzeko’s disallowed goal against Nigeria really encapsulated the sense of frustration surrounding their exit. Pjanic’s exquisite through ball and Dzeko’s sublime finish captured everything that is good about this young and developing footballing power. Safet Susic will know that his side has every chance of qualifying in four years’ time, if they stick to the same footballing mantra that has clearly been instilled in the players. They don’t strike me as a side willing to go quietly and I fully expect them to make Iran’s quest for qualification as difficult as possible.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Salihovic is brought in to offer more creativity in the midfield, while Vedad Ibisevic will be desperately unlucky not have earned a starting berth in this game. Roma’s Miralem Pjanic will likely start just behind Dzeko and Ibisevic, while Hajrovic completes what I believe will be a highly attacking line-up. They have absolutely nothing to lose and will want to give the footballing massive an indication of their pedigree.
Iran
Iran know that nothing less than victory will give them any chance of qualification in this game. Ashkan Dejagah and Reza Ghoochannejhad were both inches away from giving the Iranians one of the most dramatic wins in World Cup history. What was most impressive about their resolute display was their defensive cohesion. Jalal Hosseini and Amirhossein Sadeghi have been the bedrock of a surprisingly taciturn defensive unit that is critical in determining whether Iran can implement their counter-attacking game plan.
The fact that Iran have to chase this game doesn’t really suit that plan. They only enjoyed 30% of the possession against Argentina and will now be looking to try and take the game to a creative Bosnia-Herzegovina outfit. Dejagah will be up against a slightly more muscular defensive system here and will probably not enjoy the utter physical dominance that he had against Argentina.
VERDICT: Bosnia-Herzegovina 11/10
Iran will not be overly familiar with the task of chasing a game, which seems completely counterintuitive to a side built on the idea of swift counter-attacks. Bosnia-Herzegovina should be able to exploit the open space offered by the marauding Iranians, with Pjanic operating fluidly in the classical number ten role. Don’t be surprised to see Dzeko on the score-sheet; the Manchester City striker seems to perpetually have a point to prove and will revel in this match.
The man knows his football, but even he gets it wrong from time to time. Feel free to share your view below.
