It’s been a hugely disappointing debut World Cup campaign for Bosnia and they could well leave Brazil without a victory to their name.
I had high hopes for the Europeans at these finals, expecting them to advance to the knockout phase along with Argentina, but their 1-0 loss to Nigeria saw them crash out with a game to spare.
An opening 2-1 defeat to the group favourites was no disgrace but Bosnia remain pointless and now face an Iran side for which qualification remains a distinct possibility.
Victory for Iran on Wednesday coupled with Argentina beating the Africans would send the rank outsiders into the Last 16 and they have proved very stubborn so far, only succumbing to Lionel Messi’s injury time strike last time out.
Iran had opened with a goalless draw versus Nigeria and they look more than capable of making life difficult once again for their opponents.
Edin Dzeko and teammates have cut little ice in the final third so far for Bosnia and I want to take on the Balkan outfit at a little over evens with nothing on the line.
Given Iran’s defensive approach so far, I wouldn’t be surprised to see little goalmouth action in Salvador either.
Iran have conceded just twice in six matches under coach Carlos Queiroz and the former Real Madrid manager seemingly knows how to get the best out of a fairly limited group of players.
In addition to a lay of the favourites in the match odds market, stakes will be split across a play on the unders.
Iran will surely adopt the same tactics that saw Argentina struggle for long periods and motivation could well be lacking for Bosnia who know they will be leaving Brazil regardless of the outcome.
The 1.91 at William Hill on the match featuring two goals or less looks decent value.
2pts Lay Bosnia (vs. Iran) @ 2.14 (Betfair); 2pts Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.91 (William Hill)