SARAJEVO (AFP) - Miroslav Blazevic, who took Croatia to third place at the 1998 World Cup, was on Thursday named as Bosnia's new national coach.

"Miroslav 'Ciro' Blazevic was elected new coach" for the next two-year period, Bosnia football association spokeswoman Slavica Pecikoza told journalists.

The 73-year-old Blazevic is replacing Meho Kodro who was sacked in May after he had refused to lead the national team for a friendly with Iran.

The Bosnia-born Blazevic coached Croatia's First Division Side Zagreb until May.

He is known notably for leading Croatia to third place in the 1998 World Cup.