Bosnia-Herzegovina beats Iran for first World Cup win; both teams out

SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) Bosnia-Herzegovina ended Iran's hopes of advancing to the knockout stages and registered its first World Cup win in the process with a 3-1

SALVADOR, Brazil (AP) Bosnia-Herzegovina ended Iran's hopes of advancing to the knockout stages and registered its first World Cup win in the process with a 3-1 victory in Group F on Wednesday.

The Bosnians took a commanding 2-0 lead with goals from Edin Dzeko in the 23rd and Miralem Pjanic in the 53rd before Iran hit back.

Reza Ghoochannejhad gave some hope to the Iranians with a tap-in goal in the 81st, but Avdija Vrsaljevic replied immediately with his low shot from the edge of the area to restore the two-goal buffer.

Iran needed a win to have any chance of advancing. The Bosnians were already out of contention at their first World Cup following consecutive losses to Argentina and Nigeria.

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz brought in strikers Khosro Heydari and Karim Ansari Fard in the second half but the shift in systems only netted one goal.

Iran, playing its fourth World Cup, faced criticism for its dour defensive tactics after a 0-0 draw against Nigeria in its group opener. The Iranians also spent much of their game against Argentina packing the defense, but created several chances on counterattacks and nearly caused a major upset before conceding a late winner by Lionel Messi.

Bosnia created most of the chances in the match, with Dzeko - criticized for missing several opportunities during Bosnia's earlier two matches - firing a volley over the bar in the 3rd minute, and then heading straight onto Iranian goalkeeper from close.

He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a low shot from 20 yards, deflecting in off the post.

Pjanic doubled the lead a half hour later with an angled shot from inside the box.

Iran's only genuine chances came after the goal and in the last frantic minutes with Ghoochannejhad's close-range shot narrowly missing late.

Here's how the final day of Group F unfolded:

Live Blog World Cup Group F: Nigeria vs. Argentina/Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Iran

GALLERY: Best shots from USA 2, Portugal 2

U.S. vs. Portugal

U.S. 2, Portugal 2

Tim Howard reacts after Silvestre Varela of Portugal scored the tying goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. The 2-2 tie prevented the U.S. from clinching a spot in the Round of 16.

Silvestre Varela's diving header was set up by a cross from Cristiano Ronaldo.

DaMarcus Beasley covers his face in disappointment after the late goal by Portugal denied the U.S. a berth in the round of 16.

U.S. 2, Portugal 2

Clint Dempsey's second goal of the 2014 World Cup came in the 81st minute against Portugal and gave the U.S. a brief 2-1 lead. Dempsey used his stomach to direct the ball into the net from a cross by Graham Zusi.

Dempsey has now scored in both of the U.S. matches, with a Thursday showdown with Germany looming.

Dempsey's go-ahead goal was preceded by Jermaine Jones equalizing goal in the 64th minute.

U.S. 2, Portugal 2

Jermaine Jones made his presence known against Portugal, tying the game at 1-1 with his curling shot after a cross from Graham Zusi made its way through the Portugal defense.

U.S. 2, Portugal 2

Michael Bradley’s shot was excruciatingly saved off the line by Ricardo Costa in the 55th minute against Portugal.

Before his assist on the equalizer, Cristiano Ronaldo had an uneven day. Here he controls the ball against Geoff Cameron (left) and Jermaine Jones.

Ronaldo was playing despite a left knee injury that limited his practice time.

Up until the game-tying goal, it appeared that Ronaldo and his teammates were about to endure the disappointment of an early exit.

U.S. 2, Portugal 2

Tim Howard got off the ground to make this finger-tip save in the first half against Portugal.

A teammate congratulates Tim Howard for his back-to-back first-half saves, but the goaltender was upset with himself for mishandling the ball on the first one.

Clint Dempsey battles Portugal goaltender Beto.

Nani had scored first for Portugal, shooting past a sprawling Tim Howard in the fifth minute.

His goal was the first in this World Cup for Portugal, which was shut out 4-0 by Germany in both team's opener.

Yani waits for his teammates to celebrate the quick goal.

Portugal's forward Nani jumps for the ball in front of DaMarcus Beasley.

Clint Dempsey is challenged by Bruno Alves and Ricardo Costa of Portugal.

Fabian Johnson of the United States is challenged by Raul Meireles of Portugal.

Jermaine Jones of the United States challenges Cristiano Ronaldo.

Clint Dempsey played well despite his broken nose.

The U.S. is tied atop the Group with Germany, both with four points. Portugal is tied with Ghana at one point each.

The U.S. fans were out in force in Manaus.

Portugal was well-represented too.

The United States players line up for the national anthem prior to the match.