Top Bet’s preview of the eight World Cup groups is nearing its conclusion as we’ve already gone through the first five, which highlighted hosts Brazil in Group A, contenders Colombians in Group C and a Uruguan team that will be in tough in Group D, as well as many other teams. Today, we delve deeper into another South American force, mighty Argentina, in Group F.
Armed with a supremely gifted attack orchestrated by the otherworldly Lionel Messi, Argentina will be the overwhelming favorite to top Group F. The best the three other members of the group, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Nigeria and Iran, can realistically hope for is second in the group and a spot in the elimination round.
Who among those three will snatch that all-important second spot? Create a betting account and read on for our group preview to get a sense of who stands the best chance.
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2014 World Cup Group F Preview and Predictions
Argentina
Lionel Messi will lead another incredibly loaded Argentina team that will enter nearby Brazil as a big +500 favorite to capture its third World Cup title. The Argentinians should have little trouble moving on to the Round of 16 after being drawn into a relatively easy group.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The Argentinians have a wealth of attacking talent, with Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain upfront, but their defense isn’t exactly rock solid. However, that backline won’t need to be especially outstanding, especially if Messi (+800 to win the Golden Ball) finally performs as well for his country as he does for his club.
At +700 to win Group F, oddsmakers see Bosnia & Herzegovina as the team most likely to challenge Argentina in the opening round. The Bosnians topped their qualifying group to reach their first ever World Cup as an independent nation.
The Eastern Europeans scored an impressive 30 goals in 10 qualifying games thanks to its fearsome frontline of Edin Dzeko (+5,000 to win the Golden Boot) and Vedad Ibisevic. And with the talented Miralem Pjanic pulling the strings in midfield, the Bosnians have a golden opportunity to advance to the Round of 16 in their maiden World Cup appearance.
Nigeria
No longer the powerhouse that reached the quarterfinals in 1994 and 1998, Nigeria is hardly seen as a threat to win the group at +900. But as they showed in winning the most recent African Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles have the talent to spring one or two surprises.
Should Nigeria be successful in pulling off a shock result, their England-based duo will likely be involved. Liverpool’s Victor Moses will be one of team’s biggest attacking threats, while Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel will anchor the midfield.
Iran
Iran has not gone past the World Cup group stage in three previous appearances, and it likely won’t do again in this year’s tournament even with second place in the group up for grabs.
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid coach Carlos Quieroz has made his Iran team a very solid defensive unit that conceded just two goals in qualifying, but a lack of scoring punch will likely see another early exit for the Middle Eastern nation.
Key Game – Nigeria vs. Bosnia (June 21)
The World Cup campaigns of both Nigeria and Bosnia & Herzegovina will hinge on their pivotal clash in the second group game. The winner of this match will be well-positioned to go through along with Argentina, while the loser faces a possible early exit.
Writer’s Prediction
It’s hard not to like Argentina and Bosnia & Herzegovina (-180) going through in Group F. The two countries have the most talented teams, especially up front, which should easily overwhelm the defensive solidity of Nigeria and Iran.
