World Cup 2014 Group F preview: Argentina v Bosnia and Herzegovina

The World Cup in Brazil has already seen holders Spain get demolished by the runners-up in South Africa the Netherlands and, with some questionable refereeing decisions playing their part so far this tournament, no country can afford to get complacent.

None more so than competition second-favourites Argentina (7/2), who face debutants, but Group F odds-on chances to qualify for the knockout rounds, Bosnia and Herzegovina (5/6).

Eastern Europeans Bosnia come into their first World Cup as 150/1 shots to go all the way but, while no one is predicting that outcome, they do possess the players and teamwork to cause a couple of upsets along the way. They are 17/2 to win this match, and 7/2 to get a draw.

The Dragons boast a terrific spine to their lineup, with the likes of Asmir Begovic in goal and captain Emir Spahic at centre back, behind Zvjezdan Misimovic and Miralem Pjanic in midfield, with Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic in attack.

Both Manchester Cty’s Dzeko and Ibisevic of Stuttgart highly impressed during qualifying, and managed 18 goals between them in 10 matches played. They are priced at 11/4 and 10/3 respectively in the anytime scorer market, in this match at the famous Maracana stadium.

Argentina, odds-on both to win this game at 4/11 and top the group at 2/9, arguably have the most formidable attacking lineup of the tournament, with the likes of superstar Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain in their ranks.

That quartet have all enjoyed fantastic seasons with their cubs, especially individually, and it is hard to see any side being able to prevent them from scoring. Captain Messi, who as yet to impress at World Cups, has a point to prove, and has odds of 5/2 to get two or more goals, and match his Barcelona clubmate Neymar’s effort in the tournament opener against Croatia.