Argentina is one of the favorites to win their third World Cup, and it would be even sweeter to come in Brazil, where they could meet their rival hosts in the final. However, first they have to get through Group F, which opens with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
World Cup Odds: Argentina -250, Bosnia-Herzegovina +785, Draw +370
Why Argentina Can Win
When it comes to attacking players, there are few teams that can hang with Argentina. Lionel Messi has never quite produced for his country the way he does for Barcelona, and there are some saying he is on the way down after scoring “only” 41 goals for the club. The captain hears those whispers and if he plays with motivation, the rest of the tournament is in trouble. Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain are proven goal-scorers who can feed off Messi’s creativity, while Angel Di Maria was remarkable for Real Madrid this season and is almost like a fourth forward. When the Argentine attack gets going, they’re incredibly tough to stop.
The defense has some questions, mainly when it comes to leadership due to the retirement of players like Walter Samuel and Gabriel Heinze from the 2010 World Cup team and Javier Zanetti (whose 145 caps is the most in Argentina’s history) in 2011. However, Javier Mascherano’s 98 caps is tops in the current team and he can provide defensive cover from the midfield, along with Lucas Biglia or Fernando Gago. Sergio Romero has 47 appearances for his country and he will be key for the defense.
Why Bosnia-Herzegovina Can Win
While Bosnia-Herzegovina is in the World Cup for the first time since becoming independent in 1992, it isn’t like they don’t have quality in the lineup. Edin Dzeko’s 35 goals is the most in the side’s history and he has done it in just 62 appearances, and he is coming off his best season yet at Manchester City. Zvjezdan Misimovic has made 82 appearances for his country and he is a crafty midfielder who can make plays for Dzeko up front. Emir Spahic captains the team from defense and has 74 caps for Bosnia-Herzegovina, but their most important player will be keeper Asmir Begovic, who had a wonderful season for Stoke City (even scoring a goal in November), leading them to ninth.
Bosnia-Herzegovina is going to respect Argentina, but they aren’t going to be afraid of them. The two met for the second time in their history back in November with Argentina winning 2-0, and since they were trounced 5-0 back in 1998, the November game was an improvement.
Outlook
Argentina should have plenty of motivation to come out strong againstBosnia-Herzegovina as they want to prove why they are a World Cup favorite, and if Bosnia-Herzegovina gets too confident and moves forward, they are going to get crushed. They should be able to nick a goal from Argentina, but the South Americans will be out to make a statement in their Group F opener.
Pick: Argentina
