Forward Ashkan Dejagah is target­ing goals against Bosnia & Herze­govina as he knows that is the only way to keep Iran’s World Cup alive.

With Group F leaders Argentina expected to beat Nigeria it opens up second place and progress to the last 16 for Carlos Queiroz’s side if they can win.

But to do that they will need to break their drought at the tourna­ment having been denied a second successive clean sheet by Lionel Messi’s last-minute brilliance at the weekend.

“The fact we’ve not scored yet is something we need to put right,” Dejagah said. “I think we were really unlucky against Argentina though. We had a lot of chances and it was one of those games where everyone in the team did their job and played well.

“It’s hard when you lose a game like that, although you have to stand back and give credit to Messi.

“We don’t have players like Messi, (Sergio) Aguero and (Angel) Di Maria, so we need to focus on making ourselves as well organised as possible.

“The shape of the team, making sure we’re tough to get through defensively, is something that has been very important for the coach in the build-up to this tournament.”

With just four shots on target all tournament from 17 attempts – the worst in the competition – it’s no wonder the Iranians have found it difficult to break down opposition defences but Dejagah is confident a goal is on the horizon.

“I think a goal will come for us though. We definitely have play­ers who can score and I think we were more dangerous in our sec­ond game compared to our first,” he added. “Hopefully this third match will bring another step up.

“We’ll definitely be going for goals and we still have a chance to go through, I’m sure of that.”

Bosnia, after two defeats, are playing for pride as they cannot reach the knock-out stage at their first World Cup. Although, Edin Dzeko’s disallowed goal for offside against Nigeria still rankles.

“What can be said after Nigeria?” said defender Toni Sunjic.

“However, we have to turn to Iran, try to win, leave a better impression and go home with our heads up high.”

LIKELY LINE-UPS

Bosnia (4-2-3-1): Begovic; Mujdza, Sunjic, Spahic, Kolasinac; Pjanic, Besic; Hajrovic, Misimovic, Lulic; Dzeko

Iran (4-2-3-1): Haghighi; Montazeri, Hosseini, Sadeqi, Pooladi; Nekounam, Teymourian; Shojaei, Hajsafi, Dejagah; Ghoochannejhad

Stadium: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
Referee: Carlos Carballo (ESP)
Kick-off: Today, 20:00

SPORT360 PREDICTION

The question is: Can Iran score enough goals? We think not and Bosnia will score on the break. Iran 1-1 Bosnia