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Argentina has been the luckiest side among the teams favored to win the World Cup trophy, being drawn in Group F alongsive Bosnia Herzegovina, Nigeria and Iran. Seemingly the fight is on for the second place only here.
Argentina is without a doubt a huge favorite to top this group and sheer quality alone should be enough to see them trough from the first place. The South Americans have finally found a capable manager in Alejandro Sabella, won the CONMEBOL qualifying group and have lost just once in the last 17 matches. The group is accessible but the quest to win the World Cup will largely depend on Messi improving his current form, which is surely not the best right now.
- Key players: Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria
- Strong spots: Overall quality, Offense, Wing play, Form
- Weak spots: Messi’s form, Keeper position
- Odds to qualify: 1.05 @ Bet365
Bosnia‘s World Cup qualification was a marvelous achievement for the Eastern European side, but it was no surprise considering the quality available in the team. Bosnia won their qualifying group over Greece and are a very entertaining team to watch, playing positive football and trying to win games, something which became an exctinct approach in football lately. Bosnia has just 1 draw in the last 23 matches and surely they will not play any match for the tie, even against Argentina. The recent form of Bosnia is somewhat shaky, but they won their last two friendlies prior to the World Cup and will enter the group as the second favorites to advance according to the odds – and deservingly so. Bosnia played a friendly against Argentina in USA late in 2013 and lost 2-0.
- Key players: Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic
- Strong spots: Offense, Midfield, Attitude
- Weak spots: Defense, Inconsistency
- Odds to qualify: 1.75 @ Unibet
Current African champions Nigeria posses some very good quality in the squad, but their recent results were not impressive and have also seen match fixing allegations. With 4 consecutive matches without a win and with their honesty put to question, Nigeria will have something to prove in this World Cup and will feel they stand a chance to finish second ahead of Bosnia. They will need to play better than in the last months though and the star players must put themselves in the use of the team instead of playing for themselves.
- Key players: John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses
- Strong spots: Midfield, Keeper position
- Weak spots: Chemistry, Inconsistency
- Odds to qualify: 2.63 @ Betfair
Iran is considered the Cinderella of this group, but the asians are a dangerous side and can surely produce some upsets if looked upon lightly. Iran won their qualifying group over South Korea, with an amazing defensive record of just 2 goals conceded in 8 matches. Their last friendlies were less impressive and Iran does not look in the best form, but this is a pride nation and the players are sure to give it their absolute best in the World Cup. I wouldn`t bet against Iran with my eyes closed, especially at low odds, and I believe their chemistry and defense might be enough to challenge Bosnia and especially Nigeria. With Carlos Queiroz as manager, Iran should gain further credibility.
- Key players: Ashkan Dejagah, Javad Nekounam
- Strong spots: Chemistry, Defense
- Weak spots: Individual quality, Depth, Offense, Lack of experience
- Odds to qualify: 7.00 @ Unibet
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