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World Cup 2014: The Major Questions, Team by Team – Group F

By on June 8, 2014

With just days to go till the big kick-off, what are the major questions going into the 2014 World Cup? James Cartwright reviews the questions surrounding Group F.

Group F

Will this be Messi’s World Cup?
Many would argue Lionel Messi needs to perform at a World Cup to be regarded as the greatest ever footballer. Diego Maradona, who Messi has been compared to time after time, had his great tournament in Mexico ’86 when he won the tournament for Argentina almost on his own. And if Messi finally wants to quell the doubters, taking the tournament home to Argentina should be enough to convince them.

Can Bosnia-Herzegovina make it out of the group?
While many see Nigeria as the favorites to progress from Group F with Argentina, it’s hard to discount Bosnia-Herzegovina. With the likes of Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic and Sejad Salihovic in their squad they have the capability to make it to the Quarter-Finals considering they could be faced with Switzerland or Ecuador in the Round of 16.

Can Nigeria finally build on their nations cup win?
After winning the Africa Cup of Nations in January 2013, Nigeria have stagnated to some degree. In the Confederations Cup last summer they were a huge disappointment as they finished third in their group, only above the minnows Tahiti. While they don’t have the stars like the other African nations, they do have a strong team ethic as shown during the Africa Cup of Nations. If they can find a plucky spirit that helped them defy the odds back in January 2013, it is realistic to think they can make the Semi-Finals.

Can Queiroz mastermind a miracle?
It would be miracle if Iran qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. The highest ranked side in Asia are perhaps the most unknown side in the tournament, with the majority of their players plying their trade in the lesser known Iranian league. They did show they have the capability of beating a decent World Cup team by winning 1-0 in South Korea to qualify, yet still, it is almost impossible to see them qualifying given that South Korea result was their best result in recent games. If they do manage, though, it must attributed to the coaching of Carlos Queiroz.

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Do YOU agree with James? Who do you think will make it out of Group F? Comment below!

About James Cartwright

Sports Journalism student - Long suffering Boro and Steelers fan.