With Argentina all but in the driver’s seat for first place in Group F, like everyone thought, second place is what the rest of the group is fighting for. Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina will clash at the World Cup on Saturday in what could very well decide who will go on to the knockout portion of the tournament.
World Cup Odds: Bosnia-Herzegovina -115, Nigeria +325, Draw +255
Why Bosnia-Herzegovina Can Win
Bosnia-Herzegovina can definitely win if they play like they did in a 2-1 loss to Argentina as they didn’t back down from the favorites and they probably deserved a point if not for the own-goal from Sead Kolasinac in the third minute. They got more shots on goal and on target than Argentina and that was without Edin Dzeko having a good game. The star of the match was Muhamed Besic, whose role was to shackle Messi and even though the Argentinean captain scored the match-winner, it wasn’t really Besic’s fault and he did as good of a job as you could have asked of the 21-year-old, who is naturally a defender and made his first start out of 10 appearances.
However, if Bosnia-Herzegovina is going to go through to the next round, they need Dzeko to step up and take control of the attack. Nigeria’s defense isn’t that good at all and he keeps saying he is one of the best players in Europe, so it is show and prove time for the 28-year-old.
Why Nigeria Can Win
Nigeria has some good players on their squad, but they were frustrated by Iran’s defensive style in a 0-0 draw to open the tournament. There is talent in the squad, especially up front with Emmanuel Emenike, Ogenyi Onazi and Victor Moses, they looked poor and without a Plan B against Iran and it could be argued that they played better with veterans Peter Odemwingie and Shola Ameobi coming into the match, so it’ll be interesting to see if they earn starting spots on Saturday. Captain Vincent Enyeama provides leadership in goal and he can steal a game, while Jon Obi Mikel has to improve in midfield.
Nigeria has to keep their heads about them as they didn’t know what to do against Iran, and even though Bosnia-Herzegovina will play a more open style, Nigeria has to remain calm; they’re the ones with a point going into this game, although they still have to play Argentina (who might already be through and wlling to rest players like Lionel Messi).
Outlook
This is the first meeting for these two and remember, Bosnia-Herzegovina is making their World Cup debut after getting their independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1992. They should take some solace in their effort, but Bosnia-Herzegovina now needs points and Nigeria will give them room to operate. No one will give an inch in this match as the winner probably goes to the next round, and Bosnia-Herzegovina will find a way to pull out the three points.
Pick: Bosnia-Herzegovina
