Bosnia busy showing they’ll mean business at the World Cup

Friendly wins for Bosnia Herzegovina over Ivory Coast and Mexico show that one of Europe’s less-heralded World Cup participants could turn out to be ones to watch when the party starts in Brazil.

Those unfamiliar with the players at the Balkan nation’s disposal will certainly recognise the Premier League’s Asmir Begovic of Stoke and Manchester City hot-shot Edin Dzeko for starters.

Meanwhile, there is a six-strong Bundesliga contingent making up the nucleus of the squad and two stars of Serie A to boot, in the shape of Roma string-puller Miralem Pjanic and Lazio midfielder Senad Lulic who has been linked with a summer move to champions Juventus.

At 150/1 to win the tournament this writer is not suggesting they will go onto win it, especially as this is the first finals they have qualified for in four attempts since becoming an independent nation.

Nevertheless, situated in Group F alongside Nigeria, Iran and Argentina, Dzeko and co look an attractive choice to accompany the south Americans through to the second-round at least – backable at 3/4 with Ladbrokes.

Further sheen is added to this punt when one finds out that Nigeria have not won a single one of their last six World Cup finals games, while Iran’s three finals appearances have so far produced a single victory.

A Group F match bet to expose therefore, could be the 11/8 that Bosnia overcome their African counterparts when they meet on June 21.

Meanwhile a double on the Bosnians to beat both the Super Eagles and Iran at 14/5 is also worth serious contemplation.

The fact they will then be likeliest to face one of Switzerland, France or Ecuador from Group E also means the 4/1 on quarter-final stage elimination could be the pick of the bunch.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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