Iran hope for 'miracle' against Bosnia

Salvador, June 24 (IANS/EFE) Iran will be hoping for a miracle to qualify for the second round of the 2014 World Cup when they face Bosnia and Herzegovnia in their last group match at the Arena Fonte Nova here Wednesday.

They not only have to beat Bosnia by a huge margin but also have to pray for Nigeria's loss to group toppers Argentina in Porto Alegre at the same time, reports EFE.

Iran drew goalless with Nigeria in the opening match and had a good outing in their last game against Argentina and went down 0-1 in the last minute with a Lionel Messi sting.

They were also done in by some poor refereeing against Argentina. They were denied a clear penalty that led Iran football federation to lodge a formal complaint to FIFA against Serbian referee Milorad Mazic.

But the team was praised by the country's President Hassan Rouhani.

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz admitted that his boys have to start scoring.

"What I care for most now is keeping the players focused, and they should know that they have to score against Bosnia if they want to qualify to the upcoming stage," said the Portuguese coach, who earlier announced that he will leave the post after the World Cup.

--IANS/EFE

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