World Cup title contenders Argentina are widely liked to go far in this year’s tournament; our own World Cup predictions have them going all the way to triumph in Brazil. They’ll get their biggest (and possibly only) test in their first game of Group F in the form of Bosnia-Herzegovina, who could be a possible sleeper in their World Cup debut.
As mentioned in our Group F preview, the group is essentially a battle for second-place, with the Bosnians slight frontrunners for that coveted spot. Get ahead yourself by simply taking 30 seconds to enter our $500 World Cup contest, and read on to see how Group F’s biggest matchup shakes down.
[sc:Soccer ]Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Argentina, World Cup 2014, Group Stage Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When: June 15, 6:00 PM ET
Line: Bosnia & Herzegovina +615 at Argentina +285, tie +335; total 2.5 – view all World Cup lines
Betting on Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina was a free-scoring team that potted 30 goals in ten games during qualifying to make its first ever World Cup. Previous results might be misleading however, Bosnian manager Safet Susic may employ an entirely different formation and philosophy against Argentina.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]After some recent struggles against higher quality opposition, Susic finally switched up his tried-and-trusted 4-4-2 with a more balanced 4-2-3-1 during tune-up games against the Ivory Coast and Mexico to provide more solidity. The results were promising, as the Bosnians won both games against the strong World Cup teams.
The addition of Muhamed Besic as the extra defensive midfielder should give the Bosnians a more solid defensive base, which is essential against a dangerous Argentinian attack. However, it remains to be seen if the 21-year old Besic can successfully slow down Lionel Messi.
Going forward, star striker Edin Dzeko, who scored 10 goals in qualifying, and will be a handful for Manchester City teammate and Argentina defender Martin Demichelis, while midfielder Miralem Pjanic has the quality to provide Dzeko with decent scoring opportunities.
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Betting on Argentina
Argentina had a relatively straightforward preparation for the World Cup after comfortable wins over Trinidad and Tobago and Slovenia. Manager Alejandro Sabella will have his first choice starting lineup ready for Bosnia-Herzegovina, with the three-headed monster of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuan and Sergio Aguero leading the way up front.
With 80 career international goals among them, those three will constantly threaten a Bosnian defense that can be exploited. Three-time World Player of the Year Messi will drop deeper into midfield to pull the strings going forward while the other two await through balls around the penalty area.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will likely provide the sternest test for the Argentinian defense in the group stage, but nonetheless may not have the speed needed to expose the likes of Demichelis in the center of defense. He and Garay should have the ability and physicality to bully Dzeko, while Javier Mascherano and Fernando Gago can neutralize the threat of Pjanic in midfield.
Writer’s Prediction
Bosnia snatches a goal, but Argentina has too much firepower to lose. Expect this game between two prolific offenses to go over 2.5 goals.
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