Kun Aguero in action against Bosnia in the recent friendly

Perhaps it was divine intervention from Argentine, Pope Francisco but Argentina will be pleased with their group following the World Cup draw earlier. One of the favourites for the trophy, La Albiceleste were grouped with Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria in Group F.

Coach, Alejandro Sabella admitted that, “It’s been a positive draw,” and added “We know Bosnia because we played against them recently. I know less about Iran and as for Nigeria, we know them because we’ve played them in a few World Cups, they are very strong physically.”

Having comfortably defeated Bosnia with a second-string 11 in their most recent friendly, along with one of the lowest ranked sides in Iran and Nigeria, who Argentina have defeated in all of their three World Cup games (1994, 2002 and 2010), it is expected that Sabella’s side will comfortably top the group.

15 June 2014
Argentina v Bosnia-Herzegovina, Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, 23:00

21 June 2014
Argentina v Iran, Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte, 17:00

25 June 2014
Nigeria v Argentina, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre, 17:00

If Argentina come through this as group winners they will be paired with Group E and so will play the runners-up from a group consisting of, Switzerland, Ecuador, France and Honduras. This is also not the unkindest of draws and so a route to the Quarter Final appears very achievable.

Group F should allow Argentina to build momentum and provided they are without injury be in full flow for the sterner tasks ahead.

With a fully fit squad La Albiceleste will be a match for anyone and although question marks remain over the defence, with such attacking force they are a real candidate.