Group F appears to have Messi and Argentina written all over it. It should be but the race to finish 2nd is an intriguing one.
Argentina
Squad -
GK - Sergio Romero, Mariano Andujar, Agustin Orion
DF - Martin Demechielis, Pablo Zabaleta, Federico Fernandez, Marcos Rojo, Ezequiel Garay, Hugo Campagnaro, Jose Maria Basanta
MF - Javier Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez, Fernando Gago, Angel di Maria, Lucas Biglia, Augusto Fernandez, Ricardo Alvarez, Enzo Perez
FW - Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Rodrigo Palacio
Star Player - Lionel Messi - who else really. Messi has achieved so much at club level with Barcelona but has lacked the success at international level - something which is preventing him being considered up there with Pele and compatriot, Maradona. After a trophyless season with Barca, could Messi be motivated to perform for Argentina to make up for it? His country will be hoping that is the case.
Prognosis - A force to be reckoned with on their home continent - they'll make the semifinals where they'll face world champions, Spain. Mate v mate could be very interesting, but Messi could finally be the key to beating the seemingly invincible Spanish.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Squad -
GK - Asmir Begovic, Asmir Avdukic, Jasmin Fejzic
DF - Dejan Bandovic, Emir Spahic, Mensur Mujdza, Avdjia Vrsajevic, Ognjen Vranjes, Ermin Bicakcic, Toni Sunjic, Sead Kolasinac
MF - Zvjezdan Misimovic, Miralem Pjanic, Senijad Ibricic, Sejad Salihovic, Haris Medunjanin, Senad Lulic, Adnan Zahirovic, Miroslav Stefanovic, Muhamed Besic, Izet Hajrovic, Zoran Kvrzic, Anel Hadzic, Tino-Sven Susic, Srdan Stanic
FW - Edin Dzeko, Vedad Ibisevic, Ermin Zec, Edin Visca
Prognosis - A straightforward looking group, Bosnia will fancy their chances of making the 2nd round in their first ever Finals. Defeat to Argentina first up won't faze them and they should recover to beat an aging Nigeria and limited Iran.
Iran
Squad -
GK - Rahman Ahmadi, Alireza Haghighi, Daniel Davari, Sosha Makani, Alireza Beiranvand
DF - Jalal Hosseini, Ehsan Hajsafi, Khosro Heydari, Pejman Montazeri, Hossein Mahini, Mehrdad Pouladi, Hashem Beikzadeh, Amir Hossein Sadeghi, Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh, Amad Alenemeh, Steven Beitashour
MF - Javad Nekounam, Andranik Teymourian, Mohammad Reza Khalatbari, Masoud Shojaei, Ghasem Haddadifar, Ashkan Dejagah, Alireza Jahanbaksh, Reza Haghighi, Bakthiar Rahmani
FW - Karim Ansarifard, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Reza Norouzi, Sardar Zamoun, Mehdi Sharifi
Star Player - Ashkan Dejagah - Represented Germany at youth level, Dejagah's choice to represent the country of his parents is a real boost for Asia's regular reps. Starred late in Fulham's disappointing season, Dejagah will be keen to show what he can do as he looks for a move away from Craven Cottage following their relegation.
Prognosis - Great in Asia, this will be a level too far for Iran who will be fodder for Argentina, Bosnia and Nigeria.
Nigeria
Squad -
GK - Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim
DF - Joseph Yobo, Elderson, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Juwon Oshaniwa, Kunie Odunlami
MF - John Obi Mikel, Ahmed Musa, Ogenyi Onazi, Victor Moses, Nosa Igiebor, Reuben Gabriel, Ramon Azeez
FW - Peter Odemwingie, Emmanuel Emenike, Shola Ameobi, Uche Nwofor, Michel Babantunde, Michael Uchebo
Star Player - Ogenyi Onazi - Lazio's rising midfield star, Onazi is a man in demand in Europe after a great season for Rome's other club and the future of the Super Eagles. With John Obi Mikel sitting back, Onazi's attacking talent could be on show - and could lead to a move to Anfield.
Prognosis - Not the best Nigerian side ever. There are a lot of aging stars and a lack of firepower up front could be their downfall in making the 2nd round for the first time since 1998.
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