gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Group F Group F will feature one match that has become something of a classic fixture of and five that have never been played on the big stage before, part of the reason for which is because Bosnia-Herzegovina are making their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup™, while Iran have only ever faced their group rivals in friendlies. As for Argentina and Nigeria, the other two combatants in the group, there is not much they do not know about each other. Their meeting next June will be the latest instalment in an exciting rivalry between the two sides, led by Lionel Messi and John Obi Mikel, who have faced off three times in major competitions at different age levels: the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Netherlands 2005, the gold medal match at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 and in the group phase at South Africa 2010. On all three occasions Argentina won. The teams There is not much that has not already been said about two-time world champions Argentina or for that matter about Messi, who will renew his bid to lift the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy. Alejandro Sabella’s men are the favourites to top a group in which reigning African champions Nigeria will be aiming to make the experience they have acquired on their four previous appearances count. Meanwhile, Bosnia will be out to replicate the entertaining brand of football that made them the fourth-highest scorers in the European qualifiers, and Iran, coached by Portugal’s Carlos Queiroz will hope to combine solid organisation with the technical attributes they have long been known for. Players to watch Lionel Messi, (ARG), Sergio Aguero (ARG), Gonzalo Higuain (ARG), John Obi Mikel (NGA), Victor Moses (NGA), Victor Obinna (NGA), Edin Dzeko (BIH), Vedad Ibisevic (BIH), Miralem Pjanic (BIH), Reza Ghoochannejhad (IRN), Javad Nekounam (IRN), Karim Ansari (IRN). The crunch match Bosnia-Nigeria: in a section that most people will expect Argentina to win, games such as this one will be crucial in deciding who goes through to the last 16. The European side will have the challenge of performing in circumstances that will be entirely new to them, while the Nigerians will be eyeing the chance to reach the knockout phase for the first time since France 1998. A look back Argentina 2-1 Nigeria, 25 June 1994, Boston This game, which will forever be remembered as Diego Armando Maradona’s last match for his country, pitted an Argentina side packed with stars such as El Diez, Claudio Caniggia, Fernando Redondo and Gabriel Batistuta against a Nigeria team very much on the up and up and featuring the likes of Rashidi Yekini, Finidi George and Emmanuel Amunike. The Africans took a surprise early lead through Samson Siasia, only for the wily Caniggia to turn the game around with a typically predatory double. The blond-haired striker’s cry of “Diego, Diego”, imploring Maradona to play the pass that would lead to his second goal, is an iconic moment for Argentina fans. Did you know? Bosnia-Herzegovina, who played their first official match as an independent national team in November 1995, came close to making their World Cup debut at South Africa 2010 but lost out in the play-offs to Portugal. Twenty-four of their 26 most regularly selected players ply their trade outside the country. The stat 36 - The number of years since Argentina and Iran met for the first and only time to date. That match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, took place in Madrid on 22 March 1977 and formed part of Real Madrid’s 75th anniversary celebrations. One year later La Albiceleste won their maiden World Cup title on home soil in a competition that marked the Asian side’s world finals debut. Fixtures 15 June 2014 Argentina v Bosnia-Hercegovina, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 23:00 (BBC) 16 June 2014 Iran v Nigeria, Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, 20:00 (BBC) 21 June 2014 Argentina v Iran, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00 (ITV) 21 June 2014 Nigeria v Bosnia-Hercegovina, Arena Pantanal, Cuiaba, 23:00 (BBC) 25 June 2014 Nigeria v Argentina, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 17:00 (ITV) 25 June 2014 Bosnia-Hercegovina v Iran, Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, 17:00 (ITV) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 Argentina Location: South America Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Buenos Aires Main Cities: Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, Mar del Plata Population: 33,875,000 Area: 2,766,890 km2 Currency: 1 peso Languages: Spanish Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant National Anthem [video=youtube_share;yqBC3l7i7dk] Kits Style & formation Argentina often fielded a bold 4-3-3 formation in qualifying, although a more conservative 5-3-2 was deployed for tricky away fixtures. The former system allows Lionel Messi to play as a classic number 10 behind two strikers - typically Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain - who stretch play. But with Angel Di Maria deployed as part of a midfield three, the formation offers little defensive protection. Strengths Los Cuatro Fantasticos - the Fantastic Four of Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi, who would walk into practically any team in the world. Messi's improved international form suggests that he is ready to make this tournament his own - and strengthen his credentials as the best player of all time. Weaknesses Critics feel the team is unbalanced and defensively vulnerable. Goalkeeper Sergio Romero struggled to get a game for Monaco and had to move to Sampdoria, while left-back Marcos Rojo, of Sporting, and Napoli centre-back Federico Fernandez are inexperienced at the top level. Key player Often accused of failing to reproduce his Barcelona form at international level, Lionel Messi had gone 16 competitive matches without scoring prior to the appointment of Alejandro Sabella in 2011. However, the coach's decision to hand Messi, 26, the captaincy has proved inspired - he scored 20 goals in 21 Argentina games between October 2011 and March's 0-0 draw with Romania. One to watch Angel Di Maria's work-rate and tactical discipline persuaded Real Madrid to sacrifice Mesut Ozil, rather than him, following Gareth Bale's acquisition this summer. The 26-year-old will need those same qualities to give balance to Argentina's left flank. The boss Alejandro Sabella earned his chance after guiding Estudiantes to victory in the Copa Libertadores. The ex-Sheffield United player was part of Argentina's backroom staff at France 98, and spent much of his coaching career as assistant to Daniel Passarella. How they qualified Easily. They were the only side to win in Colombia, beat Chile twice, and impressed in home victories against Uruguay (3-0) and Ecuador (4-0). A first ever defeat by Venezuela, home draw with Bolivia and meaningless final-game loss to Uruguay were rare blips. World Cup record They have twice won the tournament (1978 and 1986) and have finished runners-up on two other occasions. Fifa ranking: 7 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors). Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey). Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter Milan), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys), Enzo Perez (Benfica). Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St-Germain). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 Bosnia and Herzegovina Location: Europe Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Sarajevo Main Cities: Tuzla, Mostar, Banja Luka, Doboj Population: 4,300,000 (pre-war figure) Area: 51,130 km2 Currency: 1 Konvertibilna marka = 100 Pfeniga (DEM) Languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian Religions: Muslim, Serbian Orthodox, Roman Catholic National Anthem [video=youtube_share;OfqxCJfW4t4] Shirts Prospects It's almost 20 years since the Dayton Agreement brought an end to the three-year war that displaced half the population of Bosnia-Hercegovina. The country remains blighted by ethnic divisions and unemployment of over 25%, yet World Cup qualification offers some hope: "A few years ago you couldn't imagine Bosnian Serbs or Croats supporting the team but that's changed," says coach Safet Susic. Despite being the only World Cup debutants, Bosnia are odds-on with most bookies to reach the last 16 thanks to their attacking firepower and technical ability. Their cavalier tactics in qualifying - a 4-4-2 diamond - yielded 30 goals, 18 from strike duo Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic. While the squad is overflowing with playmakers, it lacks effective ball-winners to screen the defence. Expect them to change formation against Argentina but go for the jugular against Nigeria and Iran. Key player One of the best players in Serie A this season, Roma's Miralem Pjanic turned down Luxembourg and France to represent the country he left just before war broke out. He's a technically gifted dead-ball specialist capable of spectacular goals, but with veteran Zvjezdan Misimovic in favour as Bosnia's 'number 10', Pjanic operates from deep. The boss Voted the best player in Paris St-Germain's history, Safet Susic represented Yugoslavia at the 1982 and 1990 World Cups. He says of his cavalier approach: "We know that we expose ourselves too much and that there is a huge risk in the way we play - but that is the price we are willing to pay. In the end, we play to score more goals than the opposition, and it has paid off so far." How they qualified Beaten in the play-offs by Portugal in their previous two qualifying campaigns, the Bosnians were determined to top their group this time round. They edged out Greece on goal difference following a final-game win in Lithuania. World Cup record They will be the only debutants at the 2014 World Cup. Fifa ranking: 25 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Asmir Avdukic (Borac Banja Luka), Jasmin Fejzic (VFR Aalen). Defenders: Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen), Toni Sunjic (Zorya Lugansk), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke), Ognjen Vranjes (Elazigspor), Ermin Bicakcic (Eintracht Braunschweig), Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros), Mensur Mujdza (Freiburg). Midfielders: Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray), Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor), Senad Lulic (Lazio), Anel Hadzic (Sturm), Tino Susic (Hajduk), Sejad Salihovic (Hoffenheim), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhour Renhe), Senijad Ibricic (Erciyesspor), Avdija Vrsaljevic (Hajduk). Strikers: Vedad Ibisevic (VfB Stuttgart), Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Edin Visca (Istanbul BB). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 Iran Location: Middle East Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Tehran (Tehrãn) Main Cities: Shiraz, Esfahan, Mashhad Population: 64,878,000 Area: 1,648,000 km2 Currency: 1 touman (unofficial) = 10 rials Languages: Farsi (Persian), Turkic languages, Kurdish Religions: Shiá Muslim, Christian National Anthem [video=youtube_share;tsBKYMSr3YI] Shirts Prospects A predominantly domestic-based squad will do well to improve on Iran's World Cup record of one win in nine attempts. They only conceded twice in eight matches during the final qualifying phase but stronger opponents lie ahead. Key player Midfielder Javad Nekounam, 33, is captain and talisman, but the new golden boy is Reza Ghoochannejhad - Charlton's Iran-born, Dutch-raised forward. The 26-year-old made his international debut last year and scored six goals in as many games in 2013. The boss Former Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz was sacked as head coach of his native Portugal in 2010, taking charge of Iran the following year. His reward for securing World Cup qualification was a contract extension until after the finals. How they qualified Having made serene progress in the early stages, Iran's qualifying hopes were in jeopardy after managing just two goals and two wins in their opening five matches of the final group stage. But they ended the campaign with three successive victories, latterly beating South Korea away to top the group. World Cup record Iran have failed to progress from the group stage in their three appearances (1978, 1998, 2006), with their only win coming against the USA in 1998. Fifa ranking: 37 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Daniel Davari (Eintracht Braunschweig), Alireza Haghighi (Sporting Covilha, on loan from Rubin Kazan), Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan). Defenders: Hossein Mahini (Persepolis), Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal), Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Amir-Hossein Sadeghi (Esteghlal), Ahmad Alenemeh (Naft), Hashem Beikzadeh (Esteghlal), Mehrdad Pouladi (Persepolis). Midfielders: Javad Nekounam (Kuwait SC), Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), Reza Haghighi (Persepolis), Ghasem Haddadifar (Zob Ahan), Bakhtiar Rahmani (Foolad), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan). Forwards: Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham), Masoud Shojaei (Las Palmas), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC Nijmegen), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton), Karim Ansarifard (Tractor Saz, on loan from Persepolis), Khosro Heydari (Esteghlal). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 4, 2014 Author Share Posted June 4, 2014 Nigeria Location: Africa Status: UN Member Country Capital City: Abuja Main Cities: Lagos, Ibadan, Ogbomosho, Kano, Port Harcourt Population: 123,079,000 Area: 923,770 km2 Currency: 1 Nigerian naira = 100 kobo Languages: English, Yoruba, Hausa, Ibo Religions: Muslim, Christian National Anthem [video=youtube_share;avPeagYhbgo] Shirts Prospects After failing to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles have undergone a radical transformation under Steven Keshi, who has sought to lower the average age of the squad. His selection policy, at times controversial, has paid off - last year the Super Eagles won their first African title since 1994. They produced a competent showing at the Confederations Cup, but improvement is needed to reach the knockout stages in 2014. Key player Victor Moses has quickly become an integral figure since making his debut in 2012. He provided real cutting edge at this year's Africa Cup of Nations and was sorely missed at the Confederations Cup, for which he was injured. The boss Stephen Keshi may be reluctant to pack his bags for Brazil just yet. He led Togo to their first World Cup but was sacked a few months before the 2006 tournament. Four years earlier the same fate befell him as Nigeria assistant coach. While he does not fear the sack this time he concedes: "We are talking about Nigeria here, so you never know what may happen." How they qualified Easily. One of two unbeaten African sides (along with Ivory Coast), they ended five points clear in their group, then beat Ethiopia 4-1 in a play-off. World Cup record The Super Eagles reached the last 16 in 1994 and 1998 but fell at the first hurdle in their two subsequent tournament appearances (2002 and 2010). Fifa ranking: 44 (correct to 6 June) Squad Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva), Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United). Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco), Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), Joseph Yobo (Norwich, on loan from Fenerbahce), Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars). Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Ramon Azeez (Almeria), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk). Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge), Peter Odemwingie (Stoke), Victor Moses (Liverpool, on loan from Chelsea), Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen). Possible Starting 11 and Formation tbc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baptista_8 Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Three wins for Argentina? Don't know enough about the other three sides to guess who will go through with them, but I'm hoping Bosnia! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Razzler Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 I think Bosnia are gonna sneak through Another classic group though. Argie must be happy. That whole side of the draw isn't too bad tbh Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
el sid Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Mikel and Moses to see Nigeria through to the KOs. Enyeama to hold Messi at bay again Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GG17 Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Garay likely to play? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted June 4, 2014 Share Posted June 4, 2014 Yeah should be him alongside Federico Fernández. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SirZ Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Good thread. Here's hoping we sneak into the 2nd round ahead of Bosnia. Argies are my tip to win the whole thing though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubenJ Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Who's we? Are you Iranian or Nigerian? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SirZ Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Super Eagles Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
feche Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Palacio twist his ankle yesterday and probably misses the first match Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Did Higuaín and Agüero (and Zabaleta/Garay) just have niggles or are they a doubt too? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillsminnow Posted June 5, 2014 Author Share Posted June 5, 2014 Not concerned about your Argentina bet, are you? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Haha nah. If they can't get through this group with a few injury problems they've no hope of winning it anyway Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
feche Posted June 5, 2014 Share Posted June 5, 2014 Nothing to worry about, probably all of them gonna play against Slovenia this Saturday. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReggaeBwoy Posted June 7, 2014 Share Posted June 7, 2014 If Musa is fit I can see him and Moses causing problems to a few teams. Musa looks like a 40 year old but is 'apparently' 21. Well he is one of the fastest players in this tournament. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baptista_8 Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 feche, is Romero going to start? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMLF Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Bosnian coaching staff 'escape armed robbery' in Brazil: https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/world-cup-bosnian-coaching-staff-escape-armed-robbery-192643764--sow.html Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
feche Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 feche, is Romero going to start? Unfortunately Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMLF Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 Rooms of the Argentine players at the Cidade do Galo: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Hall Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 Why does Gago get his own room? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JD nawrat Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 Why does Gago get his own room? There's only 23 players going - someone had to be on their own Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMLF Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 There's only 23 players going - someone had to be on their own Could be one room with 3 players though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 Only read that to see if Messi and Agüero shared a room. Not surprised, they seem inseparable these days. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anti Spiral Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 Who is the little spoon? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 Come on you Dragons! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
feche Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 Bilardo and Sabella changed the room 13 to 33 and 17 to 77. For Kabala. God help us. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icondacarver Posted June 10, 2014 Share Posted June 10, 2014 Rooms of the Argentine players at the Cidade do Galo: The Brazilian hookers will be jotting that down. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMLF Posted June 14, 2014 Share Posted June 14, 2014 Apparently this is going to be Argentina's line-up tomorrow: Romero; Zabaleta, Fernández, Campagnaro, Garay, Rojo;Mascherano, Maxi, Di María, Messi; Agüero Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EnterUsernameHere Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Yeah, Higuaín carrying an injury. Not sure if that has influenced the line-up though or if Sabella always planned on switching formation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 I guess they still stand a chance even with that line-up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Here's what I'd like to see vs. Argentina. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Los_Culés Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Apparently this is going to be Argentina's line-up tomorrow:Romero; Zabaleta, Fernández, Campagnaro, Garay, Rojo;Mascherano, Maxi, Di María, Messi; Agüero 5-3-2? Could work, but "El Jefecito" has to be very carefull with his tackles in order to not make his team exposed as there will be no other def. midfielder to cover the space. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Who's El Jefecito? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PMLF Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Who's El Jefecito? Mascherano. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Thought so, given the fact that he said that there will be no other defensive middielder, but I've asked just in case. I suppose that Maxi and Di Maria will be covering wings and swaping positions, which leaves Macherano alone in that DM position in front of 3 center backs. Argentina might be very dangerous in exploiting the flanks with Di Maria and Maxi, supported by Zabaleta and Fernandez as their full backs. I think in that case we should go with the formation that I've said I'd like to see. Being defensive of course and playing on counter attacks or long balls, I think we might give some hard tme to their exposed centre backs if their full backs bomb forward in support to their wingers. Especially if Macherano leaves his centre backs even more exposed without him, for whatever reason. No need to point out the dangeour Messi and Aguero provde. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Los_Culés Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Hope that Sabella will play on counters too. There is no need for Argentina to play "tiki taka" which Batista tried to install. Pragmatic game and quick counters (Messi and Agüero running the channels) are the best bet for Argentina. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 I think as soon as we set ourselves to defending strategy from the off (which I think we will), Argentina will begin to play possession football or fast paced football down the flanks. Can't see them sitting back and playing on counter attacks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubenJ Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 You have to have the opportunity to play counter though. Argentina is always a name that rings, opponents will be much more likely to dig themselves in and hope for the best. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Los_Culés Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 You have to have the opportunity to play counter though. Argentina is always a name that rings, opponents will be much more likely to dig themselves in and hope for the best. Sure, but even Barca have opportunities to counter...Argentina should not give their opponents much time to regroup, given the type of players they have. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Sure, but even Barca have opportunities to counter...Argentina should not give their opponents much time to regroup, given the type of players they have. I fully agree, but I hope they won't. Everything considered we're underdogs of course, who have a chance of making an upset. The most important for me is for us to give it our all. No regrets. We need to keep our morale high, whatever happens, for the two final and deciding matches. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Here's what I'd like to see vs. Argentina. No Bešić? I thought he'd be a given after doing well as a DM in your recent friendlies (and I'm assuming Sušić won't play 2 up top against Argentina as that would be suicidal). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 No Bešić? I thought he'd be a given after doing well as a DM in your recent friendlies (and I'm assuming Sušić won't play 2 up top against Argentina as that would be suicidal). Only Džeko as a striker (perhaps with some defensive duties to support our midfield), and Miske as an attacking midfielder (playmaker, maybe as well with some defensive duties to help with general midfield defending). As for Bešić, I don't know man, he's done well in recent few matches, but I'm not sure about him yet. Maybe him instead of Salihović/Medunjanin, with Bešić being DM and Salihović/Medunjanin in front of him as a central MC. Sušić did mention Bešić as his weapon against Messi, so he might end up playing alongside Spahić. Rumors are Vranješ might be paired with Spahić, with Bičakčić and Bešić both benched and that makes me think that Vrašnješ might be selected instead of Bičakčić, possibly with the option of Bešić as a DM with Salihović/Medunjanin in front of him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
football_master_94 Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Yeah, that's what I was thinking - for Bešić to be the holder and paired alongside Salihović or Medunjanin because neither of the latter two are that good defensively so they wouldn't really do much in terms of offering protection to your defence/centre backs. Vranješ though I am biased, but I think he's a good player and a really useful player to have in the side because of his versatility. Think he's a better RB than CB though, so I'm guessing if he plays alongside Spahić it'd be because he's quicker/more mobile than Bičakčić? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Yeah, that's what I was thinking - for Bešić to be the holder and paired alongside Salihović or Medunjanin because neither of the latter two are that good defensively so they wouldn't really do much in terms of offering protection to your defence/centre backs. Vranješ though I am biased, but I think he's a good player and a really useful player to have in the side because of his versatility. Think he's a better RB than CB though, so I'm guessing if he plays alongside Spahić it'd be because he's quicker/more mobile than Bičakčić? Yes, my thoughts exatly when it comes to our midfield. Small exception being that I'd play Bešić as a central DM and Salihović/Medunjanin in front of him because none of those two are good enough for DM in any kind of role. And Bečić wouldn't be used to his maximum as an MC paired with any of those two. As for Vranješ, I really like the guy. Fighter, warrior, brave, strong, modest... Follows instructions, does what you tell him to do. No-nonsense-Vidić-style defender. He impressed me in his debut in Greece. Bičakčić was excellent when he played, but he is a little bit keen on going forward, so that might leave our defense exposed. Overall Bičakčić might be a better player, but when it comes to physical side of the game, Ogi edges him. I see Ogi as a natural center back though you're right in saying that he is versatile. Seen him play quite a bit of positions and he did the job. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
UTT Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Thought so, given the fact that he said that there will be no other defensive middielder, but I've asked just in case. I suppose that Maxi and Di Maria will be covering wings and swaping positions, which leaves Macherano alone in that DM position in front of 3 center backs.Argentina might be very dangerous in exploiting the flanks with Di Maria and Maxi, supported by Zabaleta and Fernandez as their full backs. I think in that case we should go with the formation that I've said I'd like to see. Being defensive of course and playing on counter attacks or long balls, I think we might give some hard tme to their exposed centre backs if their full backs bomb forward in support to their wingers. Especially if Macherano leaves his centre backs even more exposed without him, for whatever reason. No need to point out the dangeour Messi and Aguero provde. Fernandez is a CB. Rojo is the LWB and Zabaleta the RWB in that formation posted Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fabio MVP Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Yeah, got those two mixed up. Fairly unknow players for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.