World Cup Odds Preview Group F: Will Lionel Messi Step Up?
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Frank Doyle
Lionel Messi will be hungry for goals after failing to score in the 2010 World Cup. Can he take Argentina deep into the tournament this year?
Argentina -456
Nigeria +602
Bosnia-Herzegovina +701
Iran +5100
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Argentina:
World Cup Outright Odds: +483
Qualification/World Cup History: Won World Cup in 1978 and 1986.
Player to Watch: Lionel Messi – Well, who else? Messi is one of the best players in the world and heads into this tournament with a chip on his shoulder after failing to score in the 2010 World Cup.
Team Forecast:
If all goes as planned Argentina will be a more structured side than we’ve seen in the past. That’s not to say this group won’t charge ahead potently, but coach Alejandro Sabella wants Messi and Co. to be more calculated with its attack. During qualifying, Argentina tried out nine different formations but expect this squad to play a 4-3-3 most of the time with Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero providing dynamic striking ability up front. One question mark is in goal, where Sergio Romero will likely start. He’s played in just three games in 2013-14.
Nigeria:
World Cup Outright Odds: +34600
Qualification/World Cup History: Round of 16 in 1994 and 1998.
Player to Watch: John Obi Mikel – Tough choice here but Mikel is the man in the middle that stirs Nigeria’s cocktail. He needs to be just as strong providing passes forward as he is cutting off passes in midfield for Nigeria to be successful.
Team Forecast:
There’s a lot to like with Nigeria. This team has plenty of talent and a good mix between veterans and young players peaking at the right time. Manager Stephen Keshi focuses on defence first with a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of keeper Vincent Enyeam, who is considered the best in Africa. Emmanuel Emenike will serve as the squad’s lone striker and he’ll have a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Nigeria managed just 11 goals in eight qualifying matches and four of those came in the club’s two-leg playoff against Ethiopia.
Bosnia-Herzegovina:
World Cup Outright Odds: +26800
Qualification/ World Cup History: Making World Cup debut.
Player to Watch: Edin Dzeko – He leads the attack with 33 international goals but is known as a bit of a hot-head and had a number of run-ins with manager Safet Susic and the club’s fans leading up to the tournament.
Team Forecast:
Bosnia lost just once in qualifying while scoring 30 goals in 10 matches. That’s what you should expect from this squad no matter its opposition. Susic wants his group to attack relentlessly with Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic heavily counted on to provide goals. While the Dragons have a lot of talent and creativity among their starting 11, there isn’t much left on the bench. So if the injury bug strikes, they could be in a lot of trouble in their World Cup debut.
Iran:
World Cup Outright Odds: +96800
Qualification/World Cup History: Fourth World Cup appearance. Never advanced past group stage.
Player to Watch: Javad Nekounam – Iran’s captain has patrolled the middle of the pitch for his nation for 13 years. He’s still a sleek playmaker and controls midfield like a general.
Team Forecast:
Iran will defend at all costs and only look to attack when a crystal clear counterattacking opportunity presents itself. Carlos Queiroz’s team conceded just two goals in eight qualifying while relying on a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, at some point Iran is going to have to score a bit to have any hope of going through. Winger Ashkan Dejagah might be able to provide a spark. The 27-year-old is known for his speed and heavy shot so if anyone is going to break through, keep your eye on him.
Group F Prediction:
Argentina is obviously on a different level from the rest of the group. Messi will carry this team into the knockout round by himself if he has to. The second spot is a bit of a toss-up. Iran always has a shot with its great defending but Nigeria and Bosnia should score plenty of goals. Argentina goes through first with Nigeria in second.