Group F

Group F


Argentina: Vespasiano

Best price = 5/1

FIFA's key players
With the landmark achievement of claiming four consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Ors (2009-2012), Lionel Messi in the undisputed leader of the Argentina national team and a multiple-trophy winner with Barcelona. Breaking all kind of goal-records, La Pulga is now looking to achieve greatness with his country after failing, somewhat surprisingly, to find the back of the net at South Africa 2010. Supporting him will be an all-star cast featuring Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Angel Di Maria, all of them on top of their game with some of Europe’s leading clubs.

My key player: Lionel Messi

Coach: Alejandro Sabella
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978, Mexico 1986 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Japan 1979, Qatar 1995, Malaysia 1997, Argentina 2001, Netherlands 2005, Canada 2007 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1992 (Winners), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 (Winners)

Iran: Guarulhos

Best price = 2,500/1

FIFA's key players
Filling the void left by Mahdavikia is captain Javad Nekounam, who has quickly established his place as the team's talisman. Aside from providing leadership, the skipper provides creativity alongside former Osasuna team-mate Masoud Shojaei. Belgium-based striker Reza Ghoochannejhad stands out among the emerging generation, while Fulham man Ashkan Dejagah shores up the midfield alongside Andranik Teymourian.

My key player: Javad Nekounam

Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978, France 1998, Germany 2006 (Group stages), Men's Olympic Football Tournament Montreal 1976 (Quarter-finals)

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Guaruja

Best price = 200/1

FIFA's key players
Bosnia-Herzegovina have a core of talented players capable of changing games in an instant, ranging from the likes of Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic up front, through midfielders Miralem Pjanic and Zvjezdan Misimovic, all the way back to defensive rock Emir Spahic and goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. The majority of the squad regularly showcase their talents in Europe’s biggest leagues, giving them the experience necessary to shine on the biggest stage of them all.

My key player
Coach: Safet Susic
Best performance in a FIFA competition: None

Nigeria: Campinas

Best price = 300/1

The key players
Coach Stephen Keshi has earned a reputation as a no-nonsense boss who is not afraid to choose in-form domestic players at the expense of more well-known stars, and that policy paid handsome dividends as Nigeria won the 2013 edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Keshi has kept a relatively stable spine of the team since then, with Chelsea's John Obi Mikel leaving his mixed past with the Eagles behind to become the lynchpin of the side. In goal, Vincent Enyeama is an important veteran, while Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike are key parts of a deep attack.

My key player: John Obi Mikel

Coach: Stephen Keshi
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup USA 1994, France 1998 (Round of 16), FIFA U-17 World Cup China 1985, Japan 1993, Korea Republic 2007 (Winners), Olympic Football Tournament Atlanta 1996 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi Arabia 1989, Netherlands 2005 (Runners-up)

Group E summary

At first glance this looks group looks like a formality. You couldn't make a combined team from the other three sides to match the might of Argentina here. Some will say that being a home continent tournament gives them a further advantage, but whether or not that's true they shouldn't need it to qualify from this group. They have so much attacking talent they can afford not to take Carlos Tevez. With firepower like Messi, Aguero, Di Maria, Higuain and Lavezzi Argentina should score plenty of goals. Their midfield looks reasonable with the likes of Mascherano, Alvarez, Biglia, Gago and Maxi. The defence does look a little questionable, but Argentina should top this group and go a long way in the tournament. You aren't going to get rich backing them at 1/4 to top Group F. Iran have got an extraordinarily difficult challenge to get through this group and I can't see how beating the likes of Lebanon and Kuwait entitles them to compete at this level. The one crumb of comfort I can find for them is that the game against Bosnia is in Salvador, which might favour them if they are still in it going into the third round of games. Bosnia themselves must think they have a golden opportunity to do something in this tournament. They open with Argentina, and maybe they'll fancy their chances first up, especially if the Rio crowd decide to support the underdogs. Bosnia should be a breath of fresh air in this tournament and they will attack everyone, even Argentina! They don't believe in playing one forward, Vedad Ibisevic and Edin Dzeko are a good partnership for the young European nation. Only 3 European teams scored more than Bosnia in qualifying, and I'm looking forward to seeing them on the big stage but their adventurous style could mean plenty of work for their star goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Nigeria are third favourites for the group, marginally behind Bosnia. Nigeria won the 2013 African Cup of Nations and have qualified for 5 of the last 6 World Cups. Coach Stephane Keshi seems to have focussed on getting the Nigerians to play as a group, and Obi Mikel aside there are no obvious stars in this team. The crucial game in this group is probably going to be the second group match between Bosnia and Nigeria in Cuiaba - if either team can win there they would be favourites to accompany Argentina to the knockout stages. I like Bosnia to go through with Argentina but the price is quite restrictive - the best I could find was 11/10 for the dual forecast so I'll leave it. I do think there will be goals here though.

Bets
Group F to be the highest scoring 7/1