The real story in Group F is Lionel Messi. Already discussed as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has struggled in the World Cup, scoring only one goal in eight games. Argentina are definitely the top dogs in Group F, but Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, and Nigeria will have an exciting race for the second position.
Team Previews:
Argentina: La selección enter the tournament as one of the favorite, thanks in part to their incredible depth of attacking players. Messi leads the line and likely dictate how much success Argentina have in Brazil. Players like Ángel di María, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Agüero, and Ezequiel Lavezzi all have the quality to take over a match by creating and scoring goals. I see Messi playing behind Higuaín and Agüero while di María plays a deeper roler and Lavezzi provides options off the bench. Pablo Zabaleta and Ezequiel Garay will attempt to solidify what chould be a potential problem for Argentina, in their shaky defense. Anything other than first place in the group would be considered a disappointment for the Argentines.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bosnia will be competing in the World Cup for the first time this summer and the nation has high hopes for their team. The Dragons were one of the best teams in UEFA Qualifying, winning their group with ease. The Golden Lilies (hows that for two opposite nicknames?) boast a strong attack starring Manchester City striker Edin Džeko (pronunciation) and Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanić (pronunciation). Bosnia are a free flowing attacking team, with 30 goals scored in 10 qualifying games, but they could be vulnerable at the back. Their center back pairing will likely feature the young and inexperienced Ermin Bičakčić (pronunciation) and the aging Emir Spahić (pronunciation) in front of quality goalie Asmir Begović. If the defense is able to keep up their end of the bargain, Bosnia should be able to make it to the knock out round.
Iran: After failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup brought it well known Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz to lead their effort this time. Under Queiroz, the Princes of Persia showed significant development, especially in midfield, to top Asian Qualifying. Midfielders Javad Nekounam and Ashkan Dejagah are the focal points of the Iranian attack. Nekounam led the team with six goals in qualifying and his 138 appearances for the national team is nothing to sneeze at. Dejagah plays on the wing for Fulham in England but will look to use his speed and passing ability when playing a more central role for Iran. They'll likely try to play a strong defensive games and allow the likes of Nekounam and Dejagah to catch teams on the counter attack. While Iran making it to the World Cup is a group story, the group stage appears to be the last chapter.
Nigeria: The Super Eagles come into the tournament as the reigning African champions but aren't getting as much respect as their contemporaries. Nigeria fields a team full of players who have succeeded at the young levels of international competition and will be looking to make a name for themselves this summer. John Obi Mikel is Nigeria's most complete player and will be allowed more freedom with the national team than he usually sees with his club, Chelsea, where he plays a defensive midfield role. Victor Moses provides pace and skill on the wing and will hope to showcase himself after two straight disappointing seasons, first at Chelsea, then on loan at Liverpool. Goalie Vincent Enyeama brings experience and skill to the Nigerian back line. The 31 year-old keeper will be playing in his third World Cup and had a streak of 11 straight clean sheets earlier this year for his club, Lille of France. If Moses and Mikel can provide some attacking power to go along with a staunch defense, Nigeria could secure a spot to the knockout stage.
Players to watch:
The Star: Lionel Messi
For the majority of the last five plus years, Messi has been considered the best player in the world and has even been in the converstaion with Pele and Diego Maradona as the best player of all time. Messi can do it all, he can dribble, pass, and score with either foot. Messi is even capable of scoring with his head, surprising for someone who is only 5'7". The main criticism of Messi has been that he fails to perform to the best of his ability during the World Cup. Messi has been injured for the better part of the year but is looking like he is finally fit and ready to prove his worth on the world stage. Playing the World Cup in his native South America could give Messi the boost he needs to step up and lead Argentina to the championship.
The One to Watch: Miralem Pjanić
Over the last season, Pjanić has become known as one of the best players in Europe and this summer he'll be trying to establish himself as one of the best in the world. Capable of creating moments of magic with his dribbling, passing and shooting, Pjanić's ability to partner with Džeko will be the key to Bosnia's success in the tournament. Against highly skilled teams like Argentina, Pjanić will also be responsible for slowing the game down and controlling possession.
The Question Mark: Victor Moses
Moses has struggled to find playing time following his $15.5 million move to Chelsea in 2012 and during a loan at Liverpool last year. Moses can play on either wing as his speed and ability to deliver great crosses with either foot can provide trouble for any defender. Moses will be looking to showcase his skills in Brazil in the hopes of earning a move to a club where he can find more time on the field.
Predicted finish:
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Nigeria
4. Iran
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