Bosnia end Iran hopes, record first World Cup win

Bosnia's Avdija Vrsajevic (R) scores against Iran

Reuters/SalvadorBosnia beat Iran 3-1 in their Group F finale on Wednesday to record their first World Cup win and deny the West Asians any chance of reaching the knockout stage. Already eliminated after two losses, Bosnia, appearing at a major tournament for the first time as an independent nation, went ahead in the 23rd minute through Edin Dzeko, who drilled a left-foot shot past Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi. Bosnia doubled their lead just before the hour through Miralem Pjanic's cool finish in the box before Reza Ghoochannejhad pulled a goal back for Iran in the 82nd minute. Avdija Vrsajevic restored Bosnia's two-goal cushion with a fine strike a minute later. Iran had required all three points against Bosnia and needed  Argentina to beat Nigeria to have any shot of grabbing a surprise place in the last 16. The Argentines beat Nigeria 3-2 in Porto Alegre to top the group.