Possibilities and Predictions – Group F

The only team without a chance of qualifying from Group F is World Cup first timers Bosnia and Herzegovina who have no points from their two matches. Argentina has ensured progression but will be hoping their match against Nigeria gives them a chance to fine tune their faltering attack, while the pressure is on Iran who are going into their match against Bosnia knowing a win could see them pip Nigeria for second position.

 

#	Country	GP	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	PTS
1	Argentina	2	2	0	0	3	1	2	6
2	Nigeria	2	1	1	0	1	0	1	4
3	Iran	2	0	1	1	0	1	-1	1
4	Bosnia and Herzegovina	2	0	0	2	1	3	-2	0

 

Nigeria v Argentina 

Nigeria have done well to get 4 points from their opening two matches, especially considering the dour affair when they meet Iran in their opening scoreless draw.  A win will see them move ahead of Argentina and have them face the runner up in Group E.  This result is unlikely considering the Nigerians poor attacking record thus far which sees them with only 1 goal in 180 minutes of football. A defeat would open the door for Iran to finish second.

A draw in the match would benefit both teams, securing a position in the Round of 16.

Argentina has been playing very uninspiring football thus far but they still have six points from their opening two matches with the help of star man Lionel Messi.  They will hope that this match can see them break the shackles and display the sort of attack that a team with Messi, Aguero, Di Maria and co should be producing.  A win or draw will see them finish in first place with a loss seeing them drop no lower than second.

Argentina 3 – 0

Bosnia and Herzegovina v Iran

SBS TWO 2am AEST

Bosnia were many people’s favourites to finish second behind Argentina and that was seen as a very likely scenario after they outplayed Argentina for large chunks of their 2 – 1 defeat in their opening match.  A poor display against Nigeria resulting in a 1 nil loss means that they are out of the tournament; however a win over Iran could help boost moral and push the east European nation into 3rd place.

All eyes however will be on Iran who has a real opportunity to move into the Round of 16 for the first time ever. They were a part of the dullest match of the tournament in the nil all draw with Nigeria in their opener however their last minute defeat to a Lionel Messi inspired Argentina earned the Middle Eastern nation much applause for displaying such a solid defence. For Iran to progress they need to beat Bosnia and hope that Argentina to beat Nigeria by any score. A loss will see them finish rock bottom in the group.

Draw 1 – 1

Expect Argentina to progress with 9 points and for Nigeria to hold on to second place.

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