World Cup 2014 Preview, Predictions: Argentina, Nigeria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Iran: Which Team Gets Out of Group F? [Watch]
While Group E is the undisputed Group of Opportunity, Group F offers a different kind of opportunity in this year's World Cup.
One team is looked upon the clear-cut favorite to win it all while the battle for second place could very well go to any one of the other three teams:
Argentina
This fearsome squad is the favorite to win this group. The team has a number of factors going its way. The team is playing on its continent and history indicates the South American teams win in South America (no European side has ever conquered South America). But more importantly, Argentina has one of the best players in the world and has a terrific supporting cast to boot. Lionel Messi will undoubtedly be looking to make up for a poor showing in the tournament four years ago; back then, Messi failed to score a single goal and was invisible during the knockout rounds.
But the beauty of it for Messi is that he does not have to do it by himself. He has the help of such superstars as Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain among others. This is a strong attacking side that might be a bit vulnerable; however, none of the other teams are such a huge threat that they will expose Argentina in the opening rounds.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina could provide some concern as the European side was dominant during the qualifiers. Edin Dzeko is the big goal scorer for this team and he will be a force for his nation in its first World Cup in its history. Bosnia is coming off a solid game against Mexico, in which it defeated El Tri, 1-0. Bosnia did look a bit insecure defensively in the waning minutes and that could be a cause for concern.
Iran
While this team may enter the tournament as one of the underdogs, Iran has a solid coach in Carlos Queiroz. The team cruised through qualifiers and also looks dangerous in attack. Defense could be a cause for concern, as could be the skill level of the Iranian players. There is no doubt that every single one of the other teams have more skilled players than Iran. The question here is whether the team, which has not played in the World Cup since 2006, has the will to overcome its lesser skill.
Nigeria
This is one team that has struggled to get out of the group round over the last few years despite being one of the top African nations. The team has the talent to make a run in this group, but there are questions about the team's fitness. Against Greece, Nigeria looked unable to produce a moment of creative potency. In its most recent game against the United States, the team dominated possession early on, but slowly lost its grip on the match and then imploded defensively throughout. By the end of the game, Nigeria looked lethargic and out of shape against a hungry American squad. The score could have easily ended 5-1 if not for the heroics of goalie Vincent Enyeama.
Schedule
June 15: Argentina vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
June 16: Iran vs. Nigeria
June 21: Argentina vs. Iran
Nigeria vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
June 25: Nigeria vs. Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Iran
Prediction
This is really Argentina's group to lose. The South American contingent should sweep through this group with stellar results. They will get the nine points and finish first. The second place battle will come down to talent and coaching. Can Queiroz inspire Iran or will it be the high-powered Bosnia side? Or will Nigeria finally break through? Count on the European side to make noise with two victories and six points. Iran stuns Nigeria and finishes third while Nigeria walks away with nothing.
1. Argentina
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Iran
4. Nigeria
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