An incredible opening three days to this World Cup is capped off by a gem of a match between title-hopefuls, Argentina, and long-shot darlings, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
For today’s match Argentina manager Alejandro Sabella has opted for a 5-3-2 formation that expects to feature high-flying wing-backs in Pablo Zabaleta and Marcos Rojo. In the midfield sit the defensive stalwart Javier Mascherano alongside the lightning quick Angel Di Maria and the precise Maxi Rodriguez. They’ll support the wing backs flying forward while Lionel Messi will sit just inside Kun Aguero, where he will playmake as well as finish from attacks in the channnels.
For B&H, Safet Susic has his side in a 4-2-3-1 with the holding pair of Muhamed Besic and Izet Hajrovic tasked with shutting down the center of the pitch while one of the most complete midfielders in the world, Miralem Pjanic will look to create space and provide service for the towering Edin Dzeko up top.
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Starting lineups:
Argentina – Romero; Rojo, Garay, F. Fernandez, Campagnaro, Zabaleta; Di Maria, Mascherano, Rodriguez; Messi (c), Aguero.
Bosnia & Herzegovina – Begovic; Kolasinac, Spahic (c), Bicakcic, Mujdza; Besic, Hajrovic; Lulic, Misimovic, Pjanic; Dzeko.
Talking points:
1. Can Messi step up and meet the pressure? The conversation continues to divide opinion - is Lionel Messi the greatest ever footballer to walk the planet? Most say ‘yes’ based simply on what he has won at club level and, simply, witnessing his incredible movements on the pitch. Others, however, complain that to be considered the best ever, you have to win the World Cup. Now at the age of 26-years-old and with an above average supporting cast around him, Messi is in the perfect position to do just that. The pressure to do so is immense and it all begins today, against Bosnia & Herzegovina.
2. Is Bosnia & Herzegovina this tournament’s dark horse? Over the last few weeks many have tipped Bosnia & Herzegovina to be the dark horse of this World Cup. To achieve that status a team needs to advance out of the Group Stage, and, before being eliminated, knock off one of the giants in world football. Taking down Argentina would certainly qualify. To make that happen players like Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic and Asmir Begovic will have to enjoy the tournament of their lives. But for a team that’s been through hell and back, few are denying they have what it takes to be this summer’s darling.
Expectations: Expect goals. If Argentina has a weakness it’s in defense while B&H is a more balanced side. This tournament has had more than its fair share of goals so far and on Sunday evening, we should expect nothing but the same.
One blogger’s prediction: Should be a barnstormer of a match with both squads on full-blooded, end-to-end attacks. Bosnia and Herzegovina will impress but look for Argentina to leave their stamp on this tournament right away. Messi with a brace, Argentina with a 1-2 goal victory.
