World Cup 2014 Team Spotlight – Bosnia-Herzegovina
This is a relatively new nation and this will be their first trip to the World Cup. They are the only nation making their debut at this level in this event and nobody thinks they are going to embarrass themselves based on what we have seen during qualifying.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria
Odds to Win Group F: +600
Odds to Win World Cup: +15000
Group Stage Schedule:
June 15 vs. Argentina
June 21 vs. Nigeria
June 25 vs. Iran
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World Cup History
They are a long way from home though and it could feel a little bit lonely. They are currently ranked 25th in in the FIFA rankings.
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Strengths
There is some real interest in this team because they were very convincing in qualifying action. They put a lot of balls in the back of the net and looked unphased by what was at stake given their lack of experience with high level international play.
When these guys get a lead they don’t play out the string they challenge for more. In a lot of their qualifying matches they won by two or more goals and scored an amazing 8 against Liechtenstein.
I know you have to consider the competition but it is not often you see an ocho.
Weaknesses
The main criticism of this squad is that they are too reliant on a few key scoring options. In qualifying they often played with the lead and could dictate action but if they are playing a defensively focused team that targets their top players they could be vulnerable because of their lack of depth.
Bosnia is not great at set pieces – that didn’t hurt them in qualifying but it might if they find themselves in a tight game where open space is hard to come by on the fly.
Key Player – Eden Dzeko
Dzeko probably gets the most publicity of anyone on the squad thanks to his role with Manchester City. He finished tied for 5th in the EPL in goals this season and was in fine form to close the season scoring in 3 of the final four matches as Man City took the top spot.
Bosnia has a few good scoring options but because there is not much depth they need their star to be one.
Prediction: Advance to Knockout Stage
Whether Bosnia moves on or not will hinge on whether they can beat Nigeria. If they can they will advance past the group stage in their first go, if not, they won’t. I think this team will be able to get by the Super Eagles.
They might even be able to put a scare into Argentina with an offensive outburst.
