World Cup 2014 Team-by-Team Guide: Bosnia set for KO stages
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Past tournaments: Brazil 2014 marks Bosnia’s World Cup debut
Previous Best: N/A
How they got here: While it was ultimately goal difference that saw Bosnia through to their first ever major tournament in truth they qualified in some style.
Safte Susic’s men won eight of their 10 qualifiers and scored 30 goals in the process, while conceding just six.
Edin Dzeko lived up to his billing as the main striker by bagging 10 goals – one every 90 minutes.
Star man: Edin Dzeko (Manchester City)
At the end of last season Dzeko was rumoured to be on his way out of Manchester City but after his 26 goals in 36 games helped them reclaim the Premier League all is well at the Etihad.
With 35 goals from his 62 caps Dzeko is already his nation’s leading all-time scorer and if he can maintain his form from qualifying when in Brazil, Bosnia will be a threat.
Under the radar: Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma)
Roma’s 24-year-old midfield maestro could be a surprise hit at the World Cup despite already putting in some dazzling displays in Serie A
Having earned his stripes in Ligue 1 with Metz he went on to pick up a league runners-up medal with Lyon before being snapped up by Roma. Manchester United have already been credited with an interest but with a lengthy contract the Italian’s will be able to name their price should he go on to light up the World Cup.
Pjanic has scored a number of memorable goals but this cheeky lob against Verona is one of the best:
Team nutcase: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen)
The well-travelled centre-half will be key to his side’s rearguard action and while he has proven a reliable source of defence in the past Spahic’s disciplinary record is a cause for concern.
A total of seven red cards and 60 yellows from his club career are backed up by 19 cautions and one sending off for Bosnia.
Check out this crunching tackle and show of petulance from Spahic – in a friendly!
How will they get on?
Given their attacking prowess Bosnia are expected to take maximum points from their games with Nigeria and Iran, making the Argentina game a potential decider for top spot in Group F.
A second round match with either France or Switzerland would provide Susic’s men with a feasible path to the quarters – especially if they face the latter – but with Germany, Portugal or Belgium their likely rivals in the last eight that could be Bosnia’s absolute limit.
To win the World Cup: 150/1
Best World Cup Bet: To win six group points – 7/2
How far do you think Bosnia can go at the World Cup? Tweet @JamesLCParry with your views now or comment below!
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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