BOSNIA 3-1 IRAN
A must-win game for Iran in order to advance, the Asian side fell victim to a Bosnian side that was determined to make up for poor performances in their opening group matches. The result confirmed as well that neither side would play any further part in the 2014 World Cup.
Bosnia was the hot team out of the gate with Edin Dzeko striking the ball just over the crossbar from close range early on. Dzeko again found a goalscoring opportunity in the 9th minute but his headed chance was well collected by Alireza Haghighi.
Iran did their best to slow the match down to a comfortable pace but needing a win to advance, saw their hopes disappear in the 23rd minute. It was Dzeko again who weaved through the midfield before a clinical strike across his body found the bottom corner for the opening goal.
Not known for their offensive proficiency and forced to try and display some, Iran responded almost immediately. Masoud Shojaei flicked a shot from the top of the penalty area but it caught the underside of the bar. The ball fell to Reza Ghoochannejhad but he was flagged for offside and the play ended.
Minutes later Ghoochannejhad found another great chance but his volley from close range was turned aside by Asmir Begovic in goal.
Iran continued to press hard up the field to open the second half but there was a sense that Bosnia would capitalize on the lack of defensive shape and they did so in the 58th. An Iran turnover in their own third led to a 4-on-3 for Bosnia and Miralem Pjanic calmly finished the play off for Bosnia.
Iran would not give up in this game though and late in the 82nd minute, finally found their names on the scoreboard. A long ball off a Iran corner kick was played through and despite what appeared to be an obvious offside call, the flag stayed down. The ball made it's way to Ghoochannejhad in the penalty area who finished the play off and brought Iran within one.
Iranian fans weren't able to cheer long though. Avdija Vrsajevic got behind the Iranian left back and lotted the ball home in the following minute to restore the 2-goal lead and ensure a Bosnian victory.
Goals
Bosnia: Edin Dzeko (23'), Miralem Pjanic (59'), Avdija Vrsajevic (83')
Iran: Reza Ghoochannejhad (82')
Discipline
Iran: Karim Ansarifard (Yellow 88')
Man of the Match
Given to Edin Dzeko for Bosnia. Finally got his name in the scoring column with the opening goal for Bosnia. Had more then a few other chances to score and was the primary benefactor from Iran being forced to play a more offensive game then they were comfortable with.
Key Moment
Bosnia were under enormous pressure to open the second half. They got relief courtesy of Miralem Pjanic in the 58th minute. Bosnia were finally able to turn Iran over in their own half which led to an odd-man rush. Ball was laid to the feet of Pjanic on the wing and he was never going to miss from the range he was in. The goal gave Bosnia a 2-0 lead and secured their first-ever World Cup victory.
What we learned from Bosnia
That's more what people expected to see from Bosnia in this tournament. Ball movement and dynamic runs around the opposing half and an efficient offence that made the most of their chances. Can't even fault them on the Iran goal where the offside call was missed. Wanted to redeem themselves after poor outings in their opening group matches and they did just that.
What we learned from Iran
Made a valiant effort to be more offensive but at the end of the day you can't change what your team is at its core. This is a defence-first unit that was forced not only to win the game, but to score a lot of goals doing so as the Nigeria-Argentina scoreline rose higher and higher. They did not have the luxury of hanging back and protecting their goal and got punished for it. Can take solace in having scored a goal finally, even if it probably shouldn't have counted.
Both teams can take comfort in this game (Bosnia for their 1st win, Iran for finally scoring) but neither has achieved their ultimate goal of advancing out of the group. Both teams head home early and will examine where it all went wrong. Bosnia's performance this game would have been enough to advance had they showed up for all 3 games. Iran meanwhile likely performed to the best of their ability, but will need to examine if Carlos Queiroz's defence-first style is best for them.
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