Next Day's Games

Final

Germany 1-0 (ET) Argentina (Gotze 113')

Monday, June 9, 2014

Group F Preview

Schedule

All times Eastern Daylight Time (UTC -4)

June 15th, 6:00 p.m., Maracana - Estadio Jornalisto Mario Filho, Rio de Janeiro
Argentina vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina

June 16th, 3:00 p.m., Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
Iran vs. Nigeria

June 21st, 12:00 p.m., Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte
Argentina vs. Iran

June 21st, 6:00 p.m., Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba
Nigeria vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina

June 25th, 12:00 p.m., Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Nigeria vs. Argentina

June 25th, 12:00 p.m., Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Iran

Teams

Argentina

Bullets
  • World Ranking: 5th
  • World Cup Appearances: 16 (Last in 2010)
  • Best World Cup Finish: Champions (1978, 1986)
  • Finished 1st, 2 points ahead of Colombia in South America to qualify.
  • 9-2-5, 35 Goals For and 15 Goals Against in qualifying
  • Leading goalscorer in Qualifying: Lionel Messi (10)
  • 7-1-4, 24 Goals For and 8 Goals Against in last 12 months
  • Manager: Alejandro Sabella. Sabella took control of Argentina in August 2011. His only prior managing experience was with Estudiantes in Argentina.
  • Captain: Lionel Messi. Forward, Barcelona (ESP)
  • Odds to Win World Cup (via Bodog): 9/2
Roster

Goalkeepers: Mariano Andujar (#21, Catania, ITA), Agustin Orion (#12, Boca Juniors), Sergio Romero (#1, Monaco, FRA)

Defenders: Jose Maria Basanta (#23, Monterrey, MEX), Hugo Campagnaro (#3, Inter Milan, ITA), Martin Demichelis (#15, Manchester City, ENG), Federico Fernandez (#17, Napoli, ITA), Ezequiel Garay (#2, Benfica, POR), Marcos Rojo (#16, Sporting Lisbon, POR), Pablo Zabaleta (#4, Manchester City, ENG)

Midfielders: Ricardo Alvarez (#19, Inter Milan, ITA), Lucas Biglia (#6, Lazio, ITA), Augusto Fernandez (#13, Celta Vigo, ESP), Fernando Gago (#5, Boca Juniors), Angel di Maria (#7, Real Madrid, ESP), Javier Mascherano (#14, Barcelona, ESP), Enzo Perez (#8, Benfica, POR), Maxi Rodriguez (#11, Newell's Old Boys)

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (#20, Manchester City, ENG), Gonzalo Higuain (#9, Napoli, ITA), Ezequiel Lavezzi (#22, Paris Saint-Germain, FRA), Lionel Messi (#10, Barcelona, ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (#18, Inter Milan, ITA)

Possible Starting XI

Argentina 4-3-3 football formation 

Offence

No other team in the tournament has the riches up front that Argentina do. Playing a 4-3-3 system, Argentina's likely trio up front scored a whopping 93 goals for their respective clubs this season. They also combined for 24 goals in South American qualifying, more then 5 entire teams in the 9-team qualifying group.

The question remaining is what role each player plays in the offence. Still the best player in the world, Lionel Messi looks set to be the central striker with Higuain and Aguero out wider towards the wings. The one potential change could be for Messi to drop to an attacking midfield role leaving the other 2 as a striking pair and sliding Di Maria and Gago further outside. Whatever they line up in, this is a team that will score a lot of goals, regardless of their opponents. Messi requires a double-team at all times, and with at least 3 either guys up front at all times that can score at will, this is a defensive nightmare for opposing coaches to prepare for.

Defence

Not to the same strength of their offence, but a more capable unit then the shaky one that took the field four years ago in South Africa. Javier Mascherano should start at the centre midfield and play the holding role popular amongst most teams now. Capable of being a centre defender, Mascherano can also impact play in attack and is better suited to this role. The fullback positions also appear set with Marcos Rojo and Pablo Zabaleta, both of whom have flourished with the national team under Alejandro Sabella.

The central defence and goalkeeper roles are shaky though and could be the downfall of this team. Federico Fernandez and Ezequiel Garay should start, but Martin Demichelis' inclusion in this team has thrown a wrench in that potentially. Demichelis brings plenty of experience but is limited physically and could be more of a liability than a help if he sees extended playing time. And in goal should be Sergio Romero, who is still remembered for an incredibly shaky performance in the 2010 quarterfinal when Argentina were embarrassed by Germany. Romero failed to establish himself as first-team goalkeeper for Monaco this past year but will be counted to backstop one of the most impressive teams in Brazil.

3 Key Players 

Lionel Messi. Only Messi could average approximately a goal a game over a season, and have people say it was a bad year. His own brilliance and the expectations he has created for himself are out of this world and he has understandably had trouble living up to them in an Argentine jersey. But the perception of failed expectations do not change the fact that Messi is one of the best players to ever play the game and his presence impacts every game he plays in. The best scorer in the game, Messi's movement and ball-handling make him an ideal play-maker as well and you could put great odds on Messi or one of his strike partners taking home the Golden Ball award in this tournament.

Gonzalo Higuain/Sergio Aguero. As good as Messi is, these two have to be able to provide support in order for Argentina to make a run in Brazil. Defences can attempt to box Messi in in the centre of the field and force him to take shots from well outside to limit the damage he can do. This can only be achieved though if Messi is seen as the only scoring threat in a game. Higuain and Aguero can stretch the width of the field and provide goals from all over the field which is they key for Argentina's offence. It gives them a multitude of scorers for teams to worry about, and frees up space around Messi to do the things that make him the best in the world.

Sergio Romero. The biggest question mark for Argentina as they head in to Brazil, Romero has struggled to find playing time this past season in France and has had some very shaky looking performances historically for Argentina. This team was let down by their defence and goalkeeping in 2010, and while they retooled their defence for the better, Romero remains in goal and shoulders some big expectations for his country. Strong goalkeeping may be the only thing holding Argentina back from their 3rd World Cup win, and they need Romero to play drastically better this time around in order to achieve that.

Other Name to Know

Angel Di Maria. Gets lost in the shuffle sometimes amongst all of the star power for Argentina, but it's important to remember that while also a capable scorer, Di Maria has averaged over 20 assists a season in the past 4 seasons for Real Madrid. Di Maria adds an offensive spark in the Argentine midfield that opponents will struggle to counter with all the danger in front of him. Won't get the bulk of goals for Argentina this tournament, but his passing and play-making ability in the midfield will have him involved in a lot of Argentina's scoring chances.

Overall Impression

Better this year than the quarterfinal team from 2010, I think Argentina has a very real chance to win the tournament. No country has a better front 3/4 then Argentina does with their forwards and Di Maria. They have struggled at times together but far too much star power not to be successful.

Still some questions about the way their back four will play together and I find it hard to fathom Argentina can't turn out a better goalkeeper then Romero, but I look at this group and their potential opponents in the knockout round and I think this is probably a semifinal team at least.

Bosnia & Herzegovina


Bullets
  • World Ranking: 21st
  • World Cup Appearances: 1 (First in 2014)
  • Finished 1st in Europe Round 1:Group G, ahead of Greece in goal differential to qualify.
  • 8-1-1, 30 Goals For and 6 Goals Against in qualifying
  • Leading goalscorer in Qualifying: Edin Dzeko (10)
  • 6-4-0, 18 Goals For and 12 Goals Against in last 12 months
  • Manager: Safet Susic. Susic has managed Bosnia since December 2009. His prior managerial career was mostly at the club level in Turkey.
  • Captain: Emir Spahic. Defender, Bayer Leverkusen (GER)
  • Odds to Win World Cup (via Bodog): 200/1
Roster

Goalkeepers: Asmir Avdukic (#22, Borac Banja Luka), Asmir Begovic (#1, Stoke City, ENG), Jasmin Fejzic (#12, Aalen, GER),

Defenders: Muhamed Besic (#7, Ferencvaros, HUN), Ermin Bicakcic (#3, Eintracht Braunschweig, GER), Sead Kolasinac (#5, Schalke 04, GER), Mensur Mujdza (#13, SC Freiburg, GER), Emir Spahic (#4, Bayer Leverkusen, GER), Toni Sunjic (#15, Zorya Luhansk, UKR), Ognjen Vranjes (#6, Elazigspor, TUR), Avdija Vrsajevic (#2, Hajduk Split, CRO)

Midfielders: Anel Hadzic (#20, Sturm Graz, AUT), Izet Hajrovic (#14, Galatasaray, TUR), Senijad Ibricic (#17, Kayseri Erciyesspor, TUR), Senad Lulic (#16, Lazio, ITA), Haris Medunjanin (#18, Gaziantepspor, TUR), Zvjezdan Misimovic (#10, Guizhou Renhe, CHN), Miralem Pjanic (#8, Roma, ITA), Sejad Salihovic (#23, Hoffenheim, GER), Tino-Sven Susic (#21, Hajduk Split, CRO)

Forwards: Edin Dzeko (#11, Manchester City, ENG), Vedad Ibisevic (#9, Stuttgart, GER), Edin Visca (#19, Istanbul BB, TUR)

Possible Starting XI

Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-2-3-1 football formation 

Offence

What the Swiss aspire to look like if they had guys capable of scoring. Bosnia recently switched to a slightly more defensive 4-2-3-1 formation, but this is a team that wants to score as often as possible and will throw players forward to achieve that goal. They are especially good at bringing their fullbacks up to support their wingers, and have excellent passing ability in the centre of the field.

Edin Dzeko takes point in the Bosnian offence, and the towering 6'4" star is ideally suited as a lone forward. Dzeko needs only his first touch of the ball, whether it be by foot or head to find the back of the net, and his size make him a load for central defenders to keep in front of them and away from goal. The supporting cast don't have the name recognition Dzeko gets but will impress in Brazil. Miralem Pjanic in particular has been a star the past season for Roma and will be the primary playmaker for Bosnia. Dynamic with the ball at his feet, Pjanic can create space in the centre of the field himself and either find Dzeko up front or get the ball to the wingers or fullbacks on the outside to set up crossing opportunities.

Defence

Primarily the responsibility of the back line only in an attacking Bosnian system, they bring good field awareness and defensive responsibility to the table but lack experience in most positions. Emir Spahic captains the team and at age 33 brings a wealth of international caps with him to the table. The other 3 projected starters bring just 35 caps with them, and include a 20 year old newcomer in Sead Kolasinac.

Kolasinac in particular likes to push forward in to the midfield and help the rush, but his inexperience can lead to him attacking at the wrong times, leaving a 3-man line at the back. This is where Bosnia is most vulnerable, as they lack a true holding midfielder other teams have but still push their fullbacks forward. They'll rely heavily on goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to bail them out of these situations. A tower in goal at 6'6", Begovic has impressed with Stoke City the past few years and he has established himself as amongst the upper echelon of goalkeepers in the world.

3 Key Players 

Edin Dzeko. Bosnia's leading scorer all-time, the Manchester City forward averaged a goal per game in qualifying for his country, and that scoring output will be relied on heavily for Bosnia in this group. Bosnia have other options up front but Dzeko's size and skill allow for Bosnia to go with their preferred formation and add more play-makers in the middle of the field. Dzeko is looking at a trio of questionable defensive lines in this group and could have a huge performance if he plays to his ability.

Miralem Pjanic. The do-everything player for Bosnia, Pjanic can play anywhere in the midfield, is impossible to get off the ball in possession and can defend/pass/score when the opportunities arise. A more complete player then Dzeko, he is every bit as crucial to Bosnia escaping the group as the tall striker. Bosnia's offence goes with Pjanic and he could be looking at a breakout performance on the world stage.

Vedad Ibisevic.The big casualty of a new Bosnian formation, Ibisevic will now look to provide a scoring role off the bench as opposed to the one he played in qualifying. 8 goals in qualifying playing alongside Edin Dzeko, it will be interesting to see what role the 29 year old plays in Brazil. Too much offence to keep on the bench in my opinion, Bosnia has to find a way to get him in the game as a winger, or upfront (with Dzeko or without).

Other Name to Know

Asmir Begovic. A name you'll know soon enough for his on-field play, but Begovic made other headlines this past season, becoming one of a handful of goalkeepers to score a goal in the English Premier League. It happened in November against Southampton, just 13 seconds in to play. The ball was played back to Begovic off the start, and his blast down the field landed between the Southampton central defenders, bounced over the goalkeeper and in to the net. Begovic is not expected to be a goalscoring threat for Bosnia in Brazil.

Overall Impression

Lots of offensive firepower that may not be used in the best way. You have 3 key players up front that got you to your first World Cup and you're now likely sitting one on the bench with a formation change. Should still score goals freely, but you're now in a more defensive formation with the same attack-minded personnel. Have to know who you are and for Bosnia, it's a Balkan version of Chile's attacking style. Need to fully embrace that. Should they advance from the group, they're a team capable of beating any team on any day in the knockout rounds.

Iran


Bullets
  • World Ranking: 43rd
  • World Cup Appearances: 4 (Last in 2006)
  • Best World Cup Finish: Group Stage (1978, 1998, 2006)
  • Received a bye in Asian Round 1. Defeated Maldives 5-0 in Round 2:Pairing 8 to advance to Round 3. Finished 1st, 2 points ahead of Qatar in Round 3:Group E to advance to Round 4. Finished 1st, 2 points ahead of South Korea in Round 4:Group A to qualify.
  • 10-2-4, 30 Goals For and 7 Goals Against in qualifying
  • Leading goalscorer in Qualifying: Javad Nekounam (6)
  • 8-1-3, 22 Goals For and 7 Goals Against in last 12 months
  • Manager: Carlos Queiroz (POR). Queiroz coached Portugal for 2 stints, the last from 2008-2010. Queiroz was fired from Portugal after their Round of 16 exit in the 2010 World Cup. Queiroz also led South Africa to a 2002 World Cup berth.
  • Captain: Javad Nekounam. Midfielder, Al-Kuwait (KUW)
  • Odds to Win World Cup (via Bodog): 1500/1
Roster

Goalkeepers: Rahman Ahmadi (#1, Sepahan), Daniel Davari (#22, Eintracht Braunschweig, GER), Alireza Haghighi (#12, Sporting Covilha, POR)

Defenders: Ahmed Alenemeh (#17, Naft Tehran), Hashem Beikzadeh (#19, Esteghlal), Steven Beitashour (#20, Vancouver Whitecaps, CAN), Jalal Hosseini (#4, Persepolis), Hossein Mahini (#13, Persepolis), Pejman Montazeri (#15, Umm Salal, QAT), Mehrdad Pouladi (#23, Persepolis), Amir Hossein Sadeghi (#5, Esteghlal)

Midfielders: Ashkan Dejagah (#21, Fulham, ENG), Ghasem Haddadifar (#11, Zob Ahan), Reza Haghighi (#8, Persepolis), Ehsan Hajsafi (#3, Sepahan), Khosro Heydari (#2, Esteghlal), Javad Nekounam (#6, Al-Kuwait, KUW), Bakhtiar Rahmani (#18, Foolad), Masoud Shojaei (#7, Las Palmas, ESP), Andranik Teymourian (#14, Esteghlal)

Forwards: Karim Ansarifard (#10, Tractor Sazi), Reza Ghoochannejhad (#16, Charlton Athletic, ENG), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (#9, NEC Breda, NED)

Possible Starting XI

  Iran 4-2-3-1 football formation

Offence

Capable of offensive bursts when playing at home, this is a team that doesn't have much of an offensive identity against top competition or playing outside Iran. They also don't have the personnel up front to play the desired 4-3-3 formation Carlos Queiroz would like to employ so they should go with a 4-2-3-1. The middle of the field lacks the creativity many other teams have, but they do possess speed on the wings from the backs on up which they can use to stretch the field out and create space to get in the opposing penalty area.

Reza Ghoochannejhad is expected to be the lone striker on the field, and has been one of the few Iranian players of recent memory that can be classed as a prolific goalscorer. Limited international experience but has been on a tear since breaking in to the squad in 2012. Together with fellow newcomers Ashkan Dejagah and Alireza Jahanbakhsh on the wings, these three will be the source of the bulk of any offensive outputs that come for Iran.

Defence

Offensively inept at times, Iran relies on its holding midfielders and back four to form a cohesive defensive unit and keep them in games when they are outmatched offensively. They are for the most part successful in doing this, having surrendered just 7 goals in 16 qualification matches in Asia. It's an experienced group led by captain Javad Nekounam (140 caps) who led Iran in goalscoring in qualifying but will find himself in a primary defensive role in Brazil.

The back line players don't have the same international experience as Nekounam but all are within 3 years of 30 years old and know each other quite well. Their experience playing together and understanding what the others are doing defensively are the keys to what can be a stout Iran defence. No individual stars on the back end, but as a unit they are more then capable of holding their own against the best in the world. Questions do exist in goal. Daniel Davari is expected to start after a season starting in the German Bundesliga. The 3 goalkeepers on the roster have less than 2 dozen games played for Iran between them though.

3 Key Players 

Javad Nekounam. A long-time leader in the central midfield, Nekounam is the key figure in the heart of this Iranian team. Has great defensive awareness and responsibility and will have those abilities tested in a group with Messi and Dzeko amongst others. Nekounam has to be a holding player in this squad, but don't be surprised if he does venture forward from time to time. Nekounam is an excellent passer of the ball and has the potential to let shots fly from a distance if given the opportunity.

Ashkan Dejagah. The closest thing that Iran have to a playmaker in the offensive midfield. Dejagah should find himself on the wing where he can impact the game in a variety of ways. Iran will primarily looking at Dejagah to take the ball himself upfield and make decisions alone on how to get the ball inside to Ghoochannejhad for scoring chances. More then capable of finishing by himself with 4 goals for Iran in the past 2 years.

Steven Beitashour. Expected to start at right back and is a relative newcomer to the squad. Eligible to play for the US, Beitashour chose Iran and has become a fixture in this defence since qualification ended. Beitashour is the only starting defender that plays outside of Iran and will provide the most offence from the back, being asked to play a wing back role with Vancouver in Major League Soccer. Should be on the same side of the field with Dejagah and those two could create all kinds of problems for opposing midfields with their creativity and passing.

Other Name to Know

Reza Ghoochannejhad. The first and third h's are silent. Wikipedia also says he goes by the nickname Gucci. This information will not help you to avoid commentary teams absolutely butchering the name of the tournament, but can be used to impress your friends. Also has 10 goals in 14 appearances for Iran and is the best chance they have of putting up any type of offence in Brazil.

Overall Impression

Clearly lacking in ability compared to the first 2 teams in this group, but their defensive positioning will keep them in games. And if they do get the ball upfield for some sustained possession in the opponent zone then they have 3 players up front in particular that can provide some excellent finishing. Shouldn't advance, but don't think they'll get blown out like some people are predicting.

Nigeria


Bullets
  • World Ranking: 44th
  • World Cup Appearances: 5 (Last in 2010)
  • Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16 (1994, 1998)
  • Received a bye for Africa Round 1. Finished 1st, 5 points ahead of Malawi in Round 2:Group F to advance to Round 3. Defeated Ethiopia 4-1 in Round 3:Pairing 2 to qualify.
  • 5-0-3, 11 Goals For and 4 Goals Against in qualifying
  • Leading goalscorer in Qualifying: Emmanuel Emenike (3)
  • 13-6-6, 47 Goals For and 30 Goals Against in last 12 months
  • Manager: Stephen Keshi. Keshi has managed Nigeria since 2011, leading them to a victory in 2013 African Nations Cup. Keshi has also managed Mali and Togo on 3 occasions, notably leading Togo to a 2006 World Cup berth.
  • Captain: Vincent Enyeama. Goalkeeper, Lille (FRA)
  • Odds to Win World Cup (via Bodog): 250/1
Roster

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (#21, Gombe United), Austin Ejide (#16, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, ISR), Vincent Enyeama (#1, Lille, FRA)

Defenders: Efe Ambrose (#5, Celtic, SCO), Azubuike Egwuekwe (#6, Warri Wolves), Godfrey Oboabona (#14, Caykur Rizespor, TUR), Kunle Odunlami (#12, Sunshine Stars), Kenneth Omeruo (#22, Middlesbrough, ENG), Juwon Oshaniwa (#13, Ashdod, ISR), Joseph Yobo (#2, Norwich City, ENG)

Midfielders: Ramon Azeez (#15, Almeria, ESP), Michael Babatunde (#18, Volyn Lutsk, UKR), Reuben Gabriel (#4, Waasland-Beveren, BEL), John Obi Mikel (#10, Chelsea, ENG), Victor Moses (#11, Liverpool, ENG), Ogenyi Onazi (#17, Lazio, ITA), Ejike Uzoenyi (#3, Enugu Rangers),

Forwards: Shola Ameobi (#23, Newcastle United, ENG), Emmanuel Emenike (#9, Fenerbahce, TUR), Ahmed Musa (#7, CSKA Moscow, RUS), Uche Nwofor (#19, Heerenveen, NED), Peter Odemwingie (#8, Stoke City, ENG), Michael Uchebo (#20, Cercle Brugge, BEL)

Possible Starting XI

Nigeria 4-2-3-1 football formation

Offence

The most organized of all of the African teams on the attack, this is a Nigerian team that surprisingly struggled for goals in qualifying with just 11 in 8 games. Part of this is a style thing, Nigeria are very organized defensively and don't tend to fall in to games where positioning falls apart which can happen frequently in Africa. Nigeria will look to turn their organization on the back end in to quick counter-attacks as their primary source of offence. Not a ton of play-making offensively in the centre of the field so their offence does grind to a halt if not on the counter.

Nigeria will employ a few different formations offensively but are able to get production from a number of sources. Emmanuel Emenike is the guy up front and has been a solid contributor for his club and country since his debut in 2011. Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Sunday Mba can all extend the field along the wings and are great facilitators of the ball. The central midfield will determine the success of this Nigerian squad offensively though. Veteran John Obi Mikel runs the offence from his central midfield role. Primarily in a defensive role for Chelsea, Mikel has exhibited some quality play-making abilities for his country and is asked to take on the primary play-making role in the centre of the field for Nigeria.

Defence

Offensive play-makers up front but this is very much a team with a defence-first philosophy. Regardless of if they go to a 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1, look for Ogenyi Onazi to sit in the holding midfield in front of the central defence. Onazi will stay back in support but also look for him to be the catalyst on Nigeria's counter-attacks. This is a role Mikel fills for his club but his offensive output will push him a bit further up.

Vincent Enyeama is one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the tournament and is coming off an excellent season as the first-choice goalkeeper for Lille. There are plenty of questions about how strong his defensive line is though, not to mention who will even be taking the field for Nigeria in their opening game. Efe Ambrose and Godfrey Oboabona appear to have 2 of the spots locked down in the back. Oboabona has played sparingly for his club this year though and Ambrose is a natural centre back forced outside. Left back is a mystery after Elderson picked up an injury, and there's also the question of Joseph Yobo, who is the only defender over 25 on the squad but may not have the physical stamina left to play a feature role. A lot of questions for a team that relies so heavily on a strong defensive performance.

3 Key Players 

John Obi Mikel. Taken out of his typical holding midfield role recently, Mikel has flourished for Nigeria, showing more creative and attacking ability then he has ever shown while still being defensively responsible. Mikel will act as a box-to-box midfielder for Nigeria and is certain to have covered the most ground for them at the end of a game. His new found play-making combined with a resilient effort on defence drive this squad and they will go if Mikel goes.

Peter Odemwingie. Known as much for his off-field tiffs with past and present Nigerian coaches and the Nigerian federation, Odemwingie was somewhat of a surprise inclusion in this Nigerian squad. At 32, Odemwingie can still provide offensive spark and fill the role of a second forward behind Emenike. He could also cause the team to disintegrate. A solid player when his head is on track, Nigeria will be counting on Odemwingie to provide additional scoring opportunities, and not be an off-field distraction as he has been in the past.

Vincent Enyeama. Will need some big saves for Nigeria to advance but equally as crucial will be his experience in guiding this defence to the correct positions. I have Yobo starting in my squad, but if he doesn't this becomes an exceptionally young and inexperienced Nigerian back four. Enyeama benefits the most from defensive organization and will have to ensure his Nigerian line knows where the attacking threats are coming from and can provide cover, lest he find himself making constant trips to dig balls out of his net.

Other Name to Know

Juwon Oshaniwa. One of the youngest players on the team, Oshaniwa is likely to see himself stepping in to Elderson's spot at left back. Has a very steep learning curve ahead of him and could be a huge liability for this Nigerian defence. If Oshaniwa does get the call at left back, his performance on that side could dictate how the game will go for Nigeria as teams will surely look to attack his part of the field.

Overall Impression

I'd be very nervous as a Nigerian fan ahead of this World Cup. It's a defensive-minded team with far too many issues on the back end, whether it be experience or personnel. They also don't have the speed and flare that the rest of the group does up front and they struggle to manufacture goals consistently. Defence-first team with questions in the back four and goals are hard to come by? No thanks.

FINAL THOUGHTS & PREDICTIONS

Tweeted this earlier today but this is the first group where I think the finishing order is very clear. Argentina is an elite team in the world and genuine contender for the title. Bosnia is one of the hottest teams in the tournament and score a bunch of goals while still maintaining a solid back line. Then the dropoff occurs to the other two. I think Iran and Nigeria can spring an upset possibly, but doubt it would be enough to get out of the group.

Argentina - 9 pts
Bosnia/Herzegovina - 6 pts
Iran - 3 pts
Nigeria - 0 pts 

No comments:

Post a Comment