Game # 42 - Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Iran

[catalyst2]

Sometimes games like this can be dull and spiteful but this turned out to be an unexpected gem. Bosnia and Herzegovina finally got their attack going and Iran finally looked like a team that wanted to win, rather than a team that wanted to avoid losing. Ironically, Iran lost this by a larger margin but they certainly came way with an enhanced reputation for good soccer. Bosnia and Herzegovina dominated every stat on paper but watching it, the game seemed much closer. Dzeko's goal was a great individual enterprise, really from a seemingly safe position whilst the second (from Pjanic) was sadly gifted after a major Iranian defensive error. What I liked was the Iranian response - rather than cave in and give up, this absolutely inspired them and they tried very hard to score, eventually successful in the 82nd minute, only to concede another just a minute later. 3-1 it finished and both teams played exciting football, resulting in an absorbing spectacle. Neither team got through, because of the result in the other Group game.