BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA’S first ever appearance at a World Cup finals ended in disappointment as Peter Odemwingie’s goal condemned them to a 1-0 defeat against Nigeria in Cuiaba and ensured they could not qualify for the second round.
Nigeria’s win, their first at a World Cup finals since 1998, now leaves them as favourites to join Argentina in the second round.
The victory though wasn’t without its fair share of controversy.
Midway through the first half, Edin Dezko thought he had given Bosnia the lead when he picked up Miralem Pjanic’s pinpoint through-ball and expertly dispatched from close range. But the linesman’s flag had been raised and the goal didn’t stand. But TV replays showed the Manchester City striker was onside and the goal had incorrectly been ruled out.
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The Nigerians took full advantage of the poor decision and after 27 minutes, they were in front. Emmanuel Emenike brushed past Emir Spahic before sending it across for Peter Odemwingie to finish from close-range. The Bosnian players were furious, having felt Spahic was fouled, but the referee waved away the protests.
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Dzeko could have stolen a point at the death when he rose to meet a corner but his downward header was straight at Vincent Enyeama, who gratefully smothered it.
The attacker went even closer in injury- time as his shot from inside the area beat Enyeama but cannoned back off the post.
The referee whistled for fulltime shortly after that with the Bosnians collapsing to the ground in despair and the Nigerians jumping for joy as they — after the Ghanaians drew with Germany earlier on Saturday — restored pride to the African challenge at the finals.