Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Iran, 2014 World Cup: Bosnians get first win, sending Iran out

The game started entirely as predicted, with Iran looking to keep things tight at the back and wait for Bosnia to give the ball to them rather than go chasing it themselves. It seemed to be working early on, with goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi only called into action on a snapshot from Edin Džeko in the first 20 minutes.

However, their plan was completely undone when Džeko gave the Dragons the lead from nowhere midway through the first half. He somehow found some space in a sea of Iran defenders on the edge of the penalty area, and proceeded to slide the ball against Haghighi’s post and into the back of the net.

Meanwhile, Bosnia, who are just looking to salvage some pride after defeats in their opening two group games, have made a handful of changes and a formation adjustment. Coach Safet Sušić has replaced right-back Mensur Mujdža with Avdija Vršajević, while Sead Kolašinac returns to his position on the left of the defence. Attacking midfielder Zvjezdan Misimović and wide forwards Izet Hajrović and Senad Lulić are out, with central midfielders Tino-Sven Sušić, Anel Hadžić and striker Vedad Ibišević replacing them to form what looks like a 4-3-1-2.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-3-1-2): Asmir Begović; Sead Kolašinac, Emir Spahić, Toni Šunjić, Avdija Vršajević; Tino-Sven Sušić, Muhamed Bešić, Anel Hadžić; Miralem Pjanić; Edin Džeko, Vedad Ibišević.

Admittedly, the football on show probably won’t be spectacular, with Iran likely to play to their strengths and sit as deep and defensive as possible. However, the very nature of the game with Iran still looking to progress could make for some tense viewing. They’ll probably be quite happy to allow Bosnia a lot of possession, with the hope of stinging them on the counter-attack through their dangerous striker Reza Ghoochannejhad. They are yet to score a goal in the entire tournament, though need a win here to stand any chance of progressing.

In a tournament full of disappointing performances, The Dragons going pointless in their first two matches barely registers. But it’s disappointing nonetheless. They’ll be playing this game only for pride.

Match Date/Time: 2 p.m. local, Noon ET

Iran will be hoping that Bosnia coach Safet Sušić elects to give some of his backup players a chance, with the Dragons already mathematically eliminated. However, given that they’ll be looking to at least salvage some pride in their first-ever World Cup, that could prove to be wishful thinking for Carlos Queiroz. The Iran coach, meanwhile, is unlikely to make big changes to his starting lineup.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-2-3-1): Asmir Begović; Sead Kolašinac, Emir Spahić, Toni Šunjić, Mensur Mujdža; Muhamed Bešić, Miralem Pjanić; Senad Lulić, Zvjezdan Misimović, Izet Hajrović; Edin Džeko.