Two-time World Cup winners Argentina arrive in Brazil hoping to end a 28-year wait for the coveted title and winning the trophy on their bitter rivals soil would be a perfect scenario. Los Albicelestes are the only star-studded team in Group F, but the likes of Bosnia, Nigeria and Iran will give their best to make life difficult for Alejandro Sabella s team.
The Eastern European side may be taking part at their first ever World Cup, but they seem to have a good chance of reaching the knockout stages. The 2013 Africa Cup of Nation winners have got plenty of potential but it remains to be seen if they can prove their worth when it really matters, whilst Asia s number one side Iran will have to cause quite a few shocks if they want to beat the odds and progress from the group stage.
Winners of Group F
It s been 24 years since Argentina last reached a World Cup semi-final and this will feel as the right time to end the barren run. Led by Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Angel di Maria, los Albicelestes have got some world-class talent among their ranks, but they also seem to form a homogeneous unit under Alejandro Sabella, who has been heavily criticized for some of his selection choices.
With the tournament played on South American soil, Argentina have a perfect opportunity to finally prove their worth at the biggest stage and they won t get many easier groups at tournament finals than this one. Seeing as how Leo Messi will be especially motivated to finally enjoy a great tournament with the national team, los Albicelestes are expected to ease off to the first position in Group F.
Best Odds to Win Group F
Argentina go into the tournament in confident mood and with their opponents in group stage hardly world beaters, do expect los Albicelestes to win the first play with ease. Having said that, winning maximum nine points shouldn t prove to be too difficult a task either.
To Qualify from Group F
Backing Argentina to qualify from Group F was never going to be a difficult task, and while the remaining three sides are more evenly matched, we feel Bosnia-Hercegovina have got what it takes to follow los Albicelestes to the knockout stages. While Iran don t seem to have enough quality or experience to match the other sides in the group, Nigeria do look good on paper, especially having won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nevertheless, the Super Eagles have largely struggled when facing European sides, which has something to do with their tactical indiscipline, and we don t think they will be a match for Bosnia. The Dragons are much more than just Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic, as they act very well as a team and are proving to be extremely difficult to beat.
Best Odds To Qualify from Group F
With players like Begovic, Spahic, Lulic and Ibisevic also at Safet Susic s disposal and friendly wins over Ivory Coast and Mexico suggesting Bosnia arrive in Brazil in excellent form, they definitely look a good bet to qualify for the next stage.
Group F Match Betting Tips
Said differences between Bosnia and Nigeria should be there for everyone to see when the two sides meet in the second round of group fixtures. Even if results in opening fixtures could have some effect on the match outcome, do expect the Dragons to prove why they pipped very good Greece side to the first place in their qualifying group. Nigeria s shaky back line will have their work cut out for them against one of Premier League s best strikers, so do expect Bosnia to win what could be a high-scoring affair.
Group F Team to Concede Most Goals
Even if many will be tipping Iran to finish bottom of the group and concede most goals, we do not believe that would be the case. Team Melli have been incredibly difficult to beat and score against during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and their cautious approach should yield decent results at the tournament finals. Meanwhile, Nigeria, boasting decent attacking potential, will be looking to play attack-minded football, which is going to leave their inexperienced back line too exposed at times, and that is why we are backing Super Eagles to concede more goals than Iran.
Both Teams to Score Match Tips
The opening fixture of Group F is likely to provide premium entertainment, with Argentina eager to start their campaign with a bang and Bosnia looking to continue the impressive run of results. Los Albicelestes can be trusted to enjoy a lion s share of possession and convert at least a couple of chances, but, at the same time, their opponents are likely to prove very dangerous on the break, which makes both teams to score bet a very good option.
