Group F’s second match of the day is between reigning African champions Nigeria and surprise European qualifiers Bosnia. In their first match against Argentina, the Bosnians proved that they offer defensive solidity in addition to the star power of Miralem Pjanic, Edin Dzeko (pictured above), and Vedad Ibisevic. Nigeria, meanwhile, are full of technical ability and counterattacking pace, but lacked the cutting edge in a dreadful match against Iran on Monday. This should be an open, attacking contest with both teams desperate for three points.
What’s At Stake
Argentina are through and all three of the other Group F teams are still alive. Bosnia have no points. Iran and Nigeria both have one. If Bosnia lose today, they’re out. If Nigeria win, they’re likely through, since they’ll be four points clear of Bosnia & Herzegovina and three points clear of Iran, who probably aren’t favorites to beat the Europeans next week despite probably deserving to win against Argentina today.
This should be an exciting tactical matchup. Bosnia played 4-2-3-1 against Argentina Sunday and weren’t as defensive as I expected. Today they’ll probably just barely have more of the ball in a fairly even match. The Pjanic-Dzeko connection through the center will likely determine how this one goes for the Europeans.
Nigeria play 4-3-3, with sometimes two deep midfielders and sometimes just one. Watch to see how they stack up against Bosnia’s midfield three, who also vary the number of players holding back.
Players to Watch
Nigeria: Victor Moses. I know that’s the obvious one, but he’ll probably find some chances on the break and he’ll need to make the right decisions.
Bosnia: Edin Dzeko, the Bosnian striker. He’s got quiet skill and a great understanding of the game.
Daniel Mann and Efan Ekoku. Efan knows this Nigeria team well, of course, but he’s also almost always wrong. It’ll be interesting to see how those two facts work together.
Match-specific Drinking Games
I’m Not Always Wrong: Take a shot anytime Efan correctly reads a close call, or corrects himself after seeing a replay. How drunk? Dry as a desert bone.
Toss-up: Drink whenever a ball goes out for a throw-in. How drunk? Probably pretty drunk.
Class: Take a drink whenever Miralem Pjanic beats a defender with a clever first touch. How drunk? Happy drunk. He’s fun to watch.
Nigeria: Kunun-zaki. I’ve never had it. It’s non-alcoholic.
Bosnia & Herzegovina: Rakija. I’ve had the Croatian variety. It’s dangerous.
For more:
– Read my general World Cup watching guide.
– Check out Zonal Marking, my favorite tactics website.
– See a commentary schedule or a review of each commentator.
– See where I’m getting my national drink recommendations.
– Check out other match previews from this group: Argentina vs. Iran, Iran vs. Nigeria, Argentina vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
Picture credit: sarajevotimes.com
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