A Lionel Messi led Argentina will look to begin their World Cup campaign on a bright note when they take tournament debutants Bosnia and Herzegovina. Things have not clicked for the South American side in recent tournaments and they will be under the radar this time around too with the wealth of attacking option at their disposal. Well for the Bosnians a chance to play against quality side on the biggest stage of the world is an achievement itself and with no realistic hopes pinned on them, they just might play freely in Brazil.
STAR PLAYERS
Lionel Messi: He is the best player in the world along with Cristiano Ronaldo and will go down as one of the best to have graced the game, but when it comes to major finals, things have not gone down too well for the Argentine skipper. Another World Cup and we do believe this little magician will get his act together on the biggest stage. He can single-handedly turn a tie on its head and breath taking runs can be too hot to handle for the Bosnians. Messi will be itching to have his name on the score sheet; the last time he scored was against Serbia in 2006.
Edin Djeko: Probably his countries best player, the Manchester city striker faces a daunting prospect playing against the Argentinian back line that also includes his club mate Pablo Zabaleta. Dzeko was the top scorer for Bosnia in the qualifiers as he scored 10 goals of the nation’s astonishing 30. He will have to keep his tempers in check with the bust up he had with his coach still fresh in everyone’s memories. Keep calm and pass the ball to Djeko will surely be the mantra for the Bosnian players in this tie.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR ARGENTINA
Angel Di Maria: The pacey winger has excelled in the 4-3-3 formation for both Real Madrid and Argentina. His capabilities were evident with his showing in the Champions League final where in large parts he was his side’s best player. Angel Di Maria is not restricted to any particular part of the midfield and is very difficult to mark. His trade mark crosses from the flanks can put the best of defences under pressure.
Sergio Aguero: The Manchester city striker was still learning the trade in the 2010 world cup but four years down the line he has evolved into a strong player with an emaculate finishing abilities. He can play in the central striking role or start from the wide but his constant movement poses a threat for his opponents.
Gonzalo Higuain: The season that just ended has made Gonzalo Higuain be counted as a top marksman in Europe. He will strike fears in the Bosnian mind when he takes to the pitch of Estadio Maracana. Tall , sharp and good in the air is some of the qualities he possesses ,not a bad inclusion for a team that already has Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero in attack.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Asmir Begovic: The Bosnian custodian will have to be at his best to stop the wave of Argentinian attack. He is regarded as one of the best keepers in the English league and will have to be strong and alert in goal otherwise we are looking at a long night for the Bosnians.
Haris Medunjanin: The energetic play-maker who plies his trade in the Turkish league is at the heart of every Bosnian attack. He has the pace and trickery to beat opponents but we are talking about a central midfield partnership of Javier Mascherano and Fernando Gago as opponents which might make things a tad difficult.
Emir Spahic: The Bosnian centre half will be kept busy by Messi and co but playing in the German League might come in handy for him to stop the Argentinian juggernaut. He will surely be hoping for his opponents to have an off day as a mammoth challenge awaits him.
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Modified Date: June 15, 2014 12:10 PM