The new look Maracana will host its first game on Sunday night as Argentina prepare to face off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The two teams are similiar in playing style with both maangers utilizing attacking tactics to reach the World Cup; however, they are very different as well. Argentina have been crowned Champions two times at the World Cup, while Bosnia is set to make it's first ever World Cup appearance on Sunday.
All eyes will be on Lionel Messi as he looks to break his World Cup scoring drought after an absymal campaign in 2010, however, he will be backed by the likes of Angel di Maria and Sergio Aguero going forward. Argentina's midfielder Gago spoke about the danger posed by the trio:
“We know that in the final quarter, few teams can play at the speed of Ángel di María, Kun Agüero and Leo Messi,” Gago told the Argentinian sports daily Olé. “The precision they have at such speed marks the difference."
Bosnia manager Safet Susic is prepared to counter Argentina's threat with attacking football, according to Bosnian media. However, Susic was asked about Lionel Messi and the threat he poses and Susic insisted he would not man-mark the Barcelona man:
"It is a dilemma for me, but to sacrifice a player just to man-mark Messi, I don't think it would be good for us,'' Susic said. ''I don't think we have ever played a match having dedicated a player to man-mark a specific opponent, and it's going to be the same"
Bosnia played its first match as an independent nation in 1995 as its civil war ended following the violent breakup of Yugoslavia. It came close to qualifying both for the previous World Cup and the European Championship in 2012. The match on Sunday will be a huge occasion for the country and its people, especially after the recent flooding that devastated parts of the country. The war is in the memory of the Bosnian people, but all seems to be put aside when the 'Zmajevi' (Dragons) kick off. Around 250,000 Bosnian Muslims lost their lives from 1992-1995 as the country fought hard for it's independence with incredible fighting spirit and he team is going into the match with nothing to lose, looking to utilize that same fighting spirit shown 20 years ago:
''We have great respect for Argentina, they have quality all over the field as well as on the bench so we know this will be a difficult match for us, but we will try to give them problems.'' Asmir Begovic said.
Match Stats:
- In Bosnia’s last 18 matches, they have won 14, only losing four times and drawing once.
- Argentina have only lost once in their last 15 games.
- Bosnia have never scored against Argentina, losing 2-0 in 2013 and 5-0 in 1996.
- Argentina have the World Cup’s oldest squad, with an average age of 28.9
- Argentina are the only team in the World Cup who do not have a single player in their squad below the age of 24.
Betting Odds:
Argentina to win: 1.44
Bosnia to win: 9.00
Draw: 4.60
Prediction:
It's going to be a tough match for both sides, however, Argentina's experience could prove decisive while Bosnia's fight and will could do the same for them. If the Bosnians can play a similar style to what Croatia played against Brazil, we could see a big upset early on in the tournament. Edin Dzeko, Asmir Begovic and youngsters Muhamed Besic and Sead Kolasinac are my players to look for Bosnia, while di Maria, Messi and Sergio Aguero are my players to look for Argentina. I'm going to go out on a limb and say 2-1 Bosnia.
