The Bosnians began their first ever world cup campaign at the legendary Maracana stadium against a squad considered to be on the favourites for the tournament, South American’s Argentina.
La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue) squad oozes talent playing for the top clubs in Europe. Zabaleta, Demichellis and Sergio Aguero of Man City, Angel Di Maria of Real Madrid, ex-madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain now of Napoli as well as Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano and world superstar Lionel Messi. The world watched as they anticipated a master class performance from the little Argentine. A good World Cup is the only thing missing from his honours list.
Within three minutes Bosnia were behind. Unfortunate defender Sead Kolasinac saw the ball deflect off him into his own goal whilst defending a dangerous free kick that flicked off Marco Rojo onto the Bosnian defender.
Messi was almost anonymous and many maybe wondered if he would have any impact in this game or in this tournament at all.
Argentina rarely looked like adding to their lead regularly giving the ball away while the Bosnian defence stayed solid and disciplined. Bosnia slowly settled into the game after their early set back. Roma playmaker Miralem Pjanic began to fashion chances for his side but the Baltic side found Sergio Romero in fine form between the Argentine posts.
A tactical shuffle at the break improved La Albiceleste to no ends injecting a sense of urgency and purpose to their play. The change in formation, from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3, also improved the form and fortune of the magician everyone had come to see.
Messi jinked past two Bosnian defenders after a quick one – two with Higuain. The four-time World Player of the Year steadied himself and smashed home a superb solo effort from 18 yards to put the South American’s 2-0 ahead. It was his first World Cup goal since 2006. His excellent display after the goal showed a real pressure had been lifted off the captain’s shoulders. He laid a baton down for rival Cristiano Ronaldo to perform to.
The Bosnians were in no mood to lose their first game without some sort of a struggle. After numerous shots on and off target and multiple corners they finally made their efforts count when Lulic sent Vedad Ibisevic through on goal. He scored Bosnia’s first ever World Cup goal as his left-footed drive slipped through the legs of Romero and bobbled into the goal with 5 minutes remaining, but they were unable to find the equaliser in the remaining time.
Bosnia portrayed a good account of themselves in this first game and Eden Dzeko didn’t even get a mention. If they can get a good performance out of him they could get into the last 16 and with a bit of luck maybe even the Quarter finals. Argentina are expected to go all the way, and if they can perform like they did in the second half, with Lionel Messi firing on all cylinders then they have a real chance of taking the much-acclaimed prize home.
Argentina 2 – 1 Bosnia
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