Bosnia appoint Blazevic as coach

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.