Depending on your point of view, Lionel Messi is either the best footballer on the planet or a close second. Either way, the Argentine is a world class forward and will go down in history as 0 one of the best to ever play the beautiful game of football. His detractors argue that for him to be considered in the same class as Pele and Maradona, Lionel Messi must deliver at a World Cup tournament. 40 goals in 82 appearances for Argentina is nothing to be ashamed of but when you compare this stat to the fact that Messi scored 131 times for Barcelona between 2011 and 2013, you’ll be able to put it in perspective. The Messi of Barcelona rarely turns up for the Albiceleste and even went goalless in the World Cup of 2010. He can really make a statement over the next four weeks however, by carrying Argentina to the final.
Special Offer: $700 Argentina vs Bosnia and Herdzegovina FREE BET
In a CONMEBOL qualifying group that was devoid of Brazil, Argentina cruised to the top to qualify for the tournament. Arguably, Argentina have the strongest lineup of strikers in the tournament with the likes of Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, and PSG’s Ezequiel Lavezzi who scored over 100 goals combined for their clubs last season. Bosnia also have talent in their ranks with Roma’s Miralem Pjanic, goalkeeper Asmir Begovic as well as Stuttgart striker Vedad Ibisevic. The Bosnians qualified for the World Cup by scoring an astonishing 30 goals in 10 qualification games, taking top spot ahead of Greece on goal difference. Manchester City’s Edin Dzeko led the way with 10 goals and also managed to net 26 goals in all competitions for City last season.
Special Offer: Deposit $50 and get a $150 Argentina vs Bosnia and Herdzegovina FREE BET
TEAM NEWS
The last time Messi scored a World Cup goal was in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro but it would be ridiculous not to play the Barcelona forward. What Alejandro Sabella must decide on is who to play alongside Messi in a three-pronged attack and is likely to settle for Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain while playing Angel Di Maria in a deeper midfield role. Bosnia coach Safet Susic must also make a couple of decisions. In the centre of defense, either Ermin Bicakcic or Toni Sunjic will partner Emir Spahic. In attack, Susic must decide whether to play Vedad Ibisevic who scored 15 goals for Stuttgart last season or keep him as an option on the bench while starting with an extra midfielder.
Possible Lineups
Argentina (4-3-3): Romero; Zabaleta, Fernandez, Garay, Rojo; Mascherano, Gago, Di Maria;
Messi, Aguero, Higuain
Bosnia-Herzegovina (4-4-2): Begovic; Mujdza, Spahic, Bicakcic, Kolasinac; Hajrovic, Besic,
Pjanic, Misimovic; Ibisevic, Dzeko
ONE TO WATCH
AS Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic is one of Bosnia’s most talented players and an effective playmaker. He’ll give Argentina’s midfield pivot some problems while trying to carve out scoring chances for Edin Dzeko. The 24–year old will play with freedom and confidence, craft and guile while the midfield shield does his dirty work.
PREDICTION
With all of Argentina’s attacking options, their defense is the weak link. Goalkeeper Sergio Romero is only the backup at French side AS Monaco and the central defenders often leave a lot to be desired. I fully expect the Argentines to concede but they’ll still win this.
Argentina 4 – 1 Bosnia $1.36 with Bet365 – Join Now for a $200 FREE BET – Limited Offer
