Argentina's Messi watches the ball during a training session at the squad's camp ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Buenos Aires
Argentina's national soccer team player Lionel Messi watches the ball during a training session at the squad's camp ahead of the 2014 World Cup in Buenos Aires May 31, 2014. REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci

Teams Qualified: Argentina (1) & Nigeria (2)

Here is the sixth instalment of the "Analysis & Predictions" series of the FIFA World Cup 2014. There are only 8 days before the gala event takes place. Today we are going to analyse Group F and showcase our predictions for the group. Let's look at the possibilities of Group F.

Teams in the group

Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran & Nigeria are in Group F which is a unique group because this is the first time Bosnia and Herzegovina qualified for a world cup. On the other hand, Iran has never played the other three in a competitive match before. It has only played against them in friendly matches. Nigeria has been a giant killer. It defeated Spain 3-2 in the 1998 World Cup. It seems to have an uncanny connection with Argentina as it has been in the same group with the South American giant four times out of five world cups it played (in 1994, 2002, 2010 and now in 2014). Argentina, nevertheless, is a two-time world champion which is among the favourites to win it this time as well.

Morale of the teams

Argentina is one of the strongest contenders to lift the cup with a certain Lionel Messi who is arguably considered to be the greatest footballer of all time. Messi has achieved enough in his illustrious career but there is one feather still missing in his crown, to win the world cup for his country. Messi, along with an extremely talented set of players, will be a charm to watch. Nigeria, on the other hand, is the current Africa Cup of Nations champion. It will be one of the most fabulous teams to watch. Bosnia-Herzegovina has a weak defence but talented strikers like Vedad Ibisevic and Edin Dzeko can score against any team. Iran is the underdog in the group. However, strikers like Reza Ghoochannejhad can work wonders.

Players on the spotlight

Argentina: Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero

Nigeria: Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel and Victor Obinna

Bosnia-Herzegovina: Vedad Ibisevic, Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic

Iran: Reza Ghoochannejhad, Karim Ansari and Javad Nekounam

Turning Point

The match between Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina will be a turning point only because this match will decide which team is going to finish second. This is going to be a highly interesting match as both teams can be extremely attacking. Expect a high-scoring match. Nigeria will win 4-2.

Predictions

Argentina is going to finish at the top of the table with three wins. Nigeria will finish as a strong second. The Argentina-Nigeria match will be the most exciting match in the group. Argentina will face a comparatively easier opposition, Switzerland, and Nigeria will have to compete against a biggie, France, in the "Round of 16."

Group A - Analysis & Predictions

Group B - Analysis & Predictions

Group C - Analysis & Predictions

Group D - Analysis & Predictions

Group E - Analysis & Predictions

Group G - Analysis & Predictions

Group H - Analysis & Predictions

What's your prediction? Use the comment section to tell us about it.

Reference: FIFA

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au