TWO of Nigeria’s opening round opponents at the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup, Iran and Bosnia Herzegovina, have finalized their programmes for preparation ahead the kick of the Mundial Coupe.
Expectedly, Iran is heading to Africa to face opponents they assume have the same playing pattern with Nigeria, their first group opponents in Brazil.
Iran will play Mozambique on May 7 but the venue is yet to be announced, reports Xinhua.
Iran will also take on Belarus, Montenegro, and Angola in their pre-tournament camp in Austria in May.
A friendly against Trinidad and Tobago will be the final warm-up game for Iran before the start of the World Cup.
The match will be held in Sao Paolo, Brazil June 8.
Iran will play their first 2014 World Cup group match against Nigeria in Curitiba June 16.
Bosnia and Herzegovina have the potential to be the great fairy tale story of the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.
And despite the unrest that has engulfed the country, the national team have pledged to stick together to fight for a good outing at the World Cup that could bring succour to their embattled countrymen.
The country was devastated by war 20 years ago and is still suffering from the effects of that painful period.
Recently there have been riots across the country as the nations’ economy continues to struggle.
But the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team have been a beacon of light for a troubled nation.
Since 2008 the side has narrowly missed out on qualification for the European Championships and the World Cup.
But last October Vedad Ibesvic scored an historic goal the ensured the Bosnians would play in the first World Cup at Brazil 2014.
For the large community in Australia it was a special moment.
“It actually brought me to tears. I guess that’s why people get so emotional because since the war we haven’t achieved something this incredible,” Bosnian Australian, Jasmina Pedic, told www.sbs.com.au.
“It brings everyone together, back as one, even though there is many different background and nationalities living in Bosnia, when we qualified we felt like one again.”
This unifying force has the potential to galvanise the nation if the team can produce a good showing in a group consisting Argentina, Iran and Nigeria.
“It’s still very difficult in Bosnia with lots of crime and financial difficulties but hopefully things can develop from the moment especially if they do well at the World Cup,” said Bosnian Australian Mirza Pedic.
For a country beset by some many difficulties support for the national football team is the one thing Bosnians around the world can agree on.
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