2014 World Cup Free Picks: Bosnia Herzegovina vs. Iran

12 p.m., Wednesday, June 25 – Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador (ESPN2)

Match Betting Lines

Bosnia Herzegovina are -175 favorites in the final match of their debut tournament. Iran is listed as +600 underdogs while the draw in this fixture can be bet at +333. The total is listed at 2 goals.

Bosnia Herzegovina

World Cup debutants Bosnia had a tough go in their first major tournament as an independent nation. First, an early own goal set them back against Argentina within the first five minutes of their opening match. Against Nigeria, they scored first only to be ruled incorrectly offside which burned a lead that could have dictated things in this tournament quite differently for them had the call not been blown. It will be interesting to see how they respond in a meaningless match. The new boys will look to go out on a positive note, and the price to win validates that notion.

Iran

Considering Iran has not scored a goal in two matches, this has been one of the more entertaining teams to watch this tournament during group play. They worked hard to earn a 0-0 draw against Nigeria. Against Argentina they arguably should have won had their counter attack been a bit better at the finishing end. It wasn’t, and the genius of Lionel Messi made them pay in added time. Still, this nation can hold their head high, and technically speaking they can still find their way into the elimination round with a win, Nigeria loss and some added luck.

Match Analysis

Iran needs a win and help to secure progress into the next stages of the World Cup. They haven’t been able to get on the scoreboard yet, but something tells me patience is going to pay off here, especially against a Bosnia side with nothing to gain and only pride to play for. That being said, look for both sides to contribute in an up-and-down affair with goals and entertaining football at both ends.

Key Injuries, Suspensions, Yellow Cards

Bosnia being eliminated already might call for their team to give new players a start. Iran will likely field the same if not a more attack-minded line-up.

Josh’s Pick

Any neutral fan will want Iran to find a way to earn a win for their tough luck loss against Argentina at the buzzer. Still, unable to finish when it counts, you’d have to think Iran would find more difficulty in the final third to put themselves on the scoresheet this tournament. I think a 1-1 draw is the finished product between these two.

Doc’s Sports has full coverage of the 2014 World Cup and more articles throughout this summer’s major soccer tournament. Strike Point Sports is one of the top soccer handicappers with their success on the big tournament stage. From the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012, SPS earned $100 clients over $8,200 in profit from these four major events. This summer’s World Cup is going to be another moneymaking opportunity, and they are looking forward to their soccer selections and another winning tournament.

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