Argentina more than just Messi
This is the little man’s chance to shine. But if he doesn’t, they still have Higuain and Aguero, to name but two The Games
Conmebol winners, ahead of Colombia and Chile. Without Brazil to worry about (as hosts, they sat out qualifying), it was easy for Alex Sabella’s men. He’s led them since Argentina’s early exit at the 2011 Copa America and has only a handful of defeats to his name. They really should have more than enough to seal this group and look to win the trophy on rivals Brazil’s turf.
Who else but Lionel Messi? Diego Maradona says Messi does not need to collect a World Cup winner’s medal to prove he is one of football’s alltime greats. But try telling that to the Barcelona man. Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in 1986, believes Messi’s position in history is assured regardless of whether his country capture the trophy in Brazil. Maradona coached Argentina four years ago when they were beaten at the quarterfinal stage by Germany, with Messi a leading member of the squad.
Take your pick from Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi — the list goes on. Born in France, Higuain holds dual FrenchArgentine nationality and is currently with Napoli, while former Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez misses out. Aguero has been a powerhouse for City, while Lavezzi stars for Paris StGermain.
Winners in
1978 and 1986. Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis and Aguero. Tottenham winger Erik Lamela misses out after being injured since his move from Italy to the north London club. Hernan Crespo —$70 million from Parma to Lazio.
Bosnia and Herz
UEFA Group G winners, ahead of Greece on goal difference. Safet Susic, a former midfielder, is already a national hero, having led the tiny football nation to Brazil 2014 — and last year a highest-ever Fifa ranking, 13th place. So they are no mugs and (Roma). The attacking midfielder will provide the flair in the Bosnia midfield. Said to be on Manchester United’s closeseason shopping list, although Barcelona is a likelier destination. As well as his native Bosnian, Pjanic is fluent in Luxembourgish, French, English, German and Italian. (Manchester City). Despite being in and out of the Manchester City side, the powerful front-man, seen in Sarajevo as a national sporting icon, still managed to score 10 goals in the qualifying stage. Has an excellent goals to appearances ratio and is his nation’s all-time leading scorer. Dzeko is a first cousin of fellow national team player and captain Emir Spahic.
This is their first World Cup finals appearance.
Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and Dzeko.
Dzeko, $52 million, Wolfsburg to Manchester City, 2011.
Iran
Winners of the AFC Fourth Round Group A, ahead of South Korea.
Javad Nekounam (Al Kuwait). Known for his midfield box-to-box style, the former Osasuna man will be key for Iran. ■ June 16: Rio de Janeiro, 1000: Argentina v BosniaHerzegovina ■ June 17: Curitiba, 0700: Iran v Nigeria ■ June 22: Belo Horizonte, 0400: Argentina v Iran ■ June 22: Cuiaba, 1000: Nigeria v BosniaHerzegovina ■ June 26: Porto Alegre, 0400: Nigeria v Argentina ■ June 26: Salvador, 0400: Bosnia-Herzegovina v Iran