Iran without Zandi, Mahdavikia for Bosnia warm-up

AFC - Iran will be without Mehdi Mahdavikia and Fereydoon Zandi when they clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina in their last warm-up today at the Azadi Stadium before the team leaves for the World Cup.

Mahdavikia, who plays for Bundesliga side Hamburg SV, and Zandi, who was recently released by another Bundesliga outfit Kaiserslautern, flew to Germany for medical treatment after the team’s 2-2 away draw to Croatia in Osijek last Sunday.

Coach Branko Ivankovic told reporters that the performance of Iran in the World Cup would hinge to a large extent on these two players. “I am heavily banking on Fereydoon and Mahdi for the World Cup. Mahdi will join us soon while Fereydoon has some problem in his leg muscle.”

“I am satisfied with our technical level and we played well in the friendly (against Croatia) on Sunday,” Ivankovic said after the training yesterday. “Bosnia is a good team and a win against them will boost our confidence.”

“Today is our last match at Azadi and we will go for a good result.”

Iran and Bosnia have played four times earlier with Iran winning two and losing one. Team Melli won the last encounter played last year at the Azadi 2-1

Bosnia, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from their 0-2 defeat last week at the hands of Korea Republic, the other Asian World Cup finalists.

Iran open their World Cup campaign on June 11 against Mexico, with more group matches scheduled against Portugal (June 17) and Angola (June 21).