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Match Analysis: Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 Iran

Sports Mole's analysis of Iran's 3-1 defeat to Bosnia in the World Cup.

Bosnia-Herzegovina ran out 3-1 winners over Iran as both teams concluded their participation at the World Cup in Salvador.

Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic gave Safet Susic's side a comfortable-looking lead before Reza Ghoochannejad scored the Iranians' first goal of the World Cup late on.

However, almost immediately Avdija Vrsajevic went up the other end to kill Iran's hopes of qualification.

Here, Sports Mole casts a meticulous eye over the performances of both sides.

Match statistics

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Shots: 12
On target: 5
Possession: 66
Corners: 6
Fouls: 20

IRAN
Shots: 7
On target: 2
Possession: 34
Corners: 5
Fouls: 17

Was the result fair?

In a word, yes. Bosnia looked a lot more potent going forward, and while both sides were fairly evenly matched in midfield, it was the final third that separated both sides. Edin Dzeko kicked things off with a wonderful strike, before Iran were well and truly carved open for Miralem Pjanic's effort, and again on the counter-attack for Avdija Vrsajevic's goal.

Bosnia's performance

Bosnia deserved the win and can perhaps count themselves unlucky to be going home. It was the Nigeria result that has proved their downfall, but here they were fluent at times in the final third. The game was quiet in parts, but the European side offered the greater threat.

Iran performance

Once again, Iran failed to muster anything by way of clear-cut chances, apart from Reza Ghoochannejad's tap-in late on. Ashkan Dejagah will emerge with credit. The Fulham midfielder worked hard throughout before he was substituted.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Miralem Pjanic: The Roma man deserved his goal and was a cut above in midfield. He took his goal really well and showed his class with some clever passes, while always looking to begin attacks for his side.

Biggest gaffe

Iran showed unwillingness to throw caution to the wind in the final third, even when they went a goal down. They carried on playing the same way and were devoid of creativity or intensity as their World Cup campaign ended with a whimper.

Referee performance

Carlos Velasco Carballo didn't have much to do. He handed out a booking each for either side, and there was not much to cause the referee too much trouble this afternoon.

What next?

Bosnia: Safet Susic's side exit the World Cup and the coach looks as though he will step down from his position.

Iran: Likewise for Iran, as Carlos Queiroz has coached his last match in charge of the side.

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Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko celebrates after scoring the first goal against Iran during their World Cup Group F match on June 25, 2014
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Result: Iran knocked out of World Cup
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