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     Reuters - Croatian Miroslav 
    Blazevic was named Bosnia coach on Thursday, the Bosnian Football 
    Association (NSBIH) executive board said.
 Bosnia-born Blazevic, the former coach of Croatia and Iran, is a surprise 
    replacement for Meho Kodro, who was sacked in May.
 
 "I will do my best to justify the confidence I was trusted and I am aware 
    that it will not be an easy task," Blazevic was quoted as saying to state 
    television.
 
 Blazevic beat three other candidates shortlisted by the board, having ended 
    his latest coaching stint with NK Zagreb in May.
 
 The 73-year-old Blazevic, who was born in the central Bosnian town of 
    Travnik, achieved his greatest coaching success when he led Croatia to third 
    place at the 1998 World Cup.
 
 His first match in charge will be a friendly against Bulgaria in the central 
    town of Zenica on August 20.
 
 "I do not have much time but I will use it rationally and I am sure that I 
    will manage to call up the best players and satisify the Bosnian soccer 
    fans," Blazevic added.
 
 Meho Kodro, former national team captain, was sacked after only four months 
    at the helm when he refused to lead the team in a friendly against Iran, 
    saying he had not been notified about the fixture in time.
 
 His dismissal had prompted protests by media, fan groups and players who 
    accused NSBIH officials of incompetence and corruption and demanded that 
    they step down.
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