2014 World Cup Odds: Group F Picks and Predictions – Argentina the Favorite: If you enjoy a faster-paced game with plenty of scoring, Group F is for you. Not only is goal-scorer extraordinaire Lionel Messi and Argentina in the group, but offensive-minded teams like Bosnia & Herzegovina and Nigeria are, as well. By comparison, defensive-minded Iran certainly seems out of place in this group. That being said, Group F does contain arguably the best player in the world and plenty of firepower in general. The mix should make for one of the more exciting groupings in pool play in the 2014 World Cup.
Projected Winner: Argentina
Led by four-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, Argentina brings a loaded offensive into the 2014 World Cup. Messi is the headline for sure, but Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero are stars in their own right. Argentina’s midfield is also filled with some offensive talents, and if there is a weakness for this team, it is that its attack-first mentality can sometimes leave the defense vulnerable. However, Argentina’s offensive weapons alone should carry them to the top spot in Group F, and with Messi healthy and in his prime, a World Cup title isn’t out of the question.
Projected Runner-Up: Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bosnia & Herzegovina stormed through World Cup qualifying, going 8-1-1 and outscoring their opponents by 24 goals. A fast-paced offensive attack fueled the team’s run to Brazil, and given the amount of offensive talent this group has, the attacking style isn’t going anywhere. Edin Dzeko is the biggest name of the bunch, but Vedad Ibisevic is a proven No. 2 option, and the midfield has plenty of depth. Bosnia 7 Herzegovina’s defense is legitimately questionable, but at least as far as group play is concerned, Dzeko and company should be able to push through to the Round of 16.
Potential Sleeper: Nigeria
Midfielder John Obi Mikel and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama are the stars for Nigeria, but top-to-bottom, Nigeria is a solid team. There are multiple scoring options up front for Nigeria, and Enyeama can cover up a lot of mistakes with his play in net. Overall, the draw hurts Nigeria more than anything. This team is good but not great on offense, and Argentina and Bosnia & Herzegovina are among the best attacking teams at the World Cup. As it stands, Nigeria is probably outgunned in the offensive department, but Enyeama could end up tipping the scales with some stellar play.
Team to Avoid: Iran
Give coach Carlos Quieroz credit. He went out and acquired as much talent for his team as possible given the citizenship rules, and more importantly, he has infused a style of play that somewhat hides the fact that Iran is undermanned. Iran will sit back and hold the ball, focusing on the defensive side of the field and picking its spots on offense. That being said, this team still is undermanned, especially as far as offensive firepower is concerned. Iran may frustrate some opponents for stretches, but making any real noise seems highly unlikely.
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