Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Iran: 50-50 Challenge

Our expert bloggers will give their thoughts ahead of each game, so as Bosnia-Herzegovina take on Iran in Group F, Sasa Ibrulj (Bosnia-Herzegovina) and Afshin Afshar (Iran) are your guides.

What's at stake?

Sasa Ibrulj: Nothing but pride. Even though everyone considers the first appearance at the World Cup to be a success for such a small country, the nation is still disappointed with its early exit. Most of the critics are highlighting coach Safet Susic's tactics and the terrible decision to disallow Edin Dzeko's goal against Nigeria. The atmosphere on the team is bad, and the only motive for Bosnia-Herzegovina is to be able to prove to the nation they don't deserve to be called losers.

Afshin Afshar: Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina are familiar foes. The two have had five senior-side encounters between 2001 and 2009, with four Iran victories and a draw. Granted, those matches were friendlies and most of the players involved have since retired, but the fact that they are no strangers gives a slight psychological edge to an Iranian team that rarely faces good European sides.

Iran is coming off a last-minute loss to Argentina. Although one such heartbreaking defeat could easily demoralize a team, the amazingly positive reactions that have been pouring in both from home and other countries may just be what Team Melli needs to get ready for the Dragons.

Bosnia-Herzegovina is playing for pride, but Iran still have a stick in this fire. A win and a sound Argentina victory against Nigeria will send the boys to the next round.

X factor

SI: In such a match with nothing to lose but nothing to win as well, it is difficult to highlight anyone. A lot depends on Susic's decision on the lineup -- will he decide to play his best team, or give a chance to the players who watched the World Cup from the bench? Also, there is an option of returning to the system with two attackers because there is no pressure. In that case, Vedad Ibisevic could have an interesting role. He would be fully motivated to prove that he deserved his place, and that would be dangerous for the Iranians.

AA: Team Melli must win to keep their hopes alive. Unfortunately for them, they have not been able to score in two matches. That is partially due to their defensive approach, a few great saves by the opposing goalkeepers, and a couple of unlucky bounces. However, this is the match that will hang on the finishing abilities of striker Reza Ghoochannejhad. The 26-year-old Charlton Athletic marksman has done everything that has been asked of him but to score. All Iranian fans' eyes will be on him on Wednesday.

Fear factor

SI: If Iran coach Carlos Queiroz decides to pick Khosro Heydari, he could be the one to provide the biggest threat. He covered most of the pitch against Nigeria, and Iran improved against Argentina when he came on.

AA: Edin Dzeko. The Manchester City target man has been very unlucky to not have at least a couple of goals to his name in this tournament. He scored a perfectly good goal wrongly called back against Nigeria, and later in the same game hit the post. He is just too good to not score in this World Cup; the question is will his teammates be able to feed him the ball the way he likes it, or will he be forced to create his own chances? Team Melli fans hope that this particular Dragon will not start breathing fire against their team.

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Key battle

SI: I don't expect Bosnia-Herzegovina to suddenly become well-organised and disciplined. A lot will depend on their ability to defend, so a key matchup should be a battle between Muhamed Besic and Ehsan Haji Safi. The young holding midfielder will have to stop all the counters and plug the gaps in between lines.

AA: This match has the potential to be the stage on which both teams showcase their offensive abilities. Look for an end-to-end, second-half battle, the result of which hinges on the central defenders' ability to neutralize the opposing strikers. Can Dzeko and Ghoochannejhad find the net, or will the defenders send them both back home with no goals to their names?

Prediction

SI: Bosnia-Herzegovina are impossible to predict. A solid match against Argentina and a poor performance against Nigeria -- what's next? Iran need the points and they will attack, but that could open the space on the other side. I'll go for a 2-2 draw.

AA: This may be the match in which the offense of Bosnia-Herzegovina will finally break through. However, Team Melli has the edge when it comes to the motivation factor. The boys will be eager to prove that their performances against Nigeria and Argentina were not flukes. They will come to win and hope for Argentina to deliver against Nigeria. 3-2 Iran.