World Cup 2014: Group F Preview

Group F

Group F Prediction 


1. Argentina
2. Bosnia-Herzegovina 
3. Nigeria
4. Iran 


Argentina - FIFA Ranking - 5

Argentina need no lengthy introduction.  Leading the charge will be Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona).  The captain is in position to make a case for challenging legend Diego Maradona as one of the most successful and overall talented players in the history of world football.  Argentina's mix of experience on the international and club stages will be crucial as they will make a deep run into the later rounds of the World Cup.  The real strength of the squad is the depth of attacking power as Ezequiel Lavezzi (PSG), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) and Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli) have the skill to be fielded as starters.

My Player You Should Know is Angel di Maria (Real Madrid).  The 26-year-old was nothing short of fabulous in the Champions League Final and is poised to continue his run of play in the World Cup.  The midfielder is an all around ace as he combines a mixture of speed and on ball skills that allows him to beat defenders at will.   

Projected Finish - 1st 

Bosnia & Herzegovina - FIFA Ranking - 21

Led by forward Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Bosnia & Herzegovina are a real dark horse. They have looked excellent in the warmup matches heading into the World Cup.  Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic (Stoke City) has been a brick wall in net and will face a real test as they face Argentina in the first match of the group stage.  Veteran midfielder Sejad Salihovic (1899 Hoffenhiem) will be relied on to supply service on set pieces.  I see them advancing and possibly making a push into the Round of 8. 

My Player You Should Know is Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma).  Pjanic can be classified as a traditional playmaker, as he is a skilled dribbler and passer.  For his club team, AS Roma, he usually features as a central midfielder but can play as a winger as well.  Pjanic has been rumored to be a transfer target of multiple big name clubs.  I believe the magic number would need to be around $20 million  to opt his sale but strong performances could drive that number up.  In 47 appearances for his national side he has tallied 8 goals and I would not be surprised if he adds a goal like this in Brazil...

Projected Finish - 2nd 

Nigeria  - FIFA Ranking - 44

Nigeria will look to John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) and one time EPL teammate Victor Moses (Liverpool, on loan from Chelsea) to guide them through this group.  The strength of this squad is the bountifulness of athletically talented players.  Speed will be another key weapon of the reigning African Cup of Nations Champions however I do not see them being able to put together enough goals to advance.   

My Player You Should Know is goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (Lille).  The 31-year-old kept 11 clean sheets in row this past season for Lille of the French league, Ligue 1. During that amazing run of form he went 1,062 minutes without giving up a goal.  He will need to rekindle this kind of form in order for Nigeria to sneak out of this group.

Projected Finish - 3rd

Iran - FIFA Ranking - 43

Iran may have the lowest odds of advancing but can take pride in having the craziest sounding and hardest to pronounce names.  The driving force of the Middle Eastern squad will be Askhan Dejagah (Fulham).  Dejagah is known for being a "super-sub" for Fulham but will need to be the main man during the World Cup.  I will admit I have no idea how to pronounce both Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC Nijmegen) and Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton) names but they seem like great dudes. 

My Player You Should Know is Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps).  Beitashour is one name that will sound familiar to all you MLS followers.

Projected Finish - 4th