Will this be the year that Argentina makes a run in the World Cup? The team has come up short the past few tournaments despite having one of the best soccer players on their team. They continue to fall short of the overall goal and they are hoping this is the year that they finally end the disappointment. With a solid group draw, Argentina will start their campaign against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Lionel Messi's legacy is on the line. There is not arguing that he is one of the best players in the world, but in the World Cup he has failed to make an impact. He scored 131 goals from 2011 to 2013 while playing for Barcelona. However, with Argentina he has 40 goals in 82 games. He went goal-less in 2010's World Cup as well as 2011's Copa America. Getting Argentina deep in the competition could change that.
Argentina is already predicted to get out of group stage. Much like Brazil, they drew an easy group that should not pose a threat to their tournament run, but getting together a balanced attack needs to be the priority if they plan on getting farther. They have strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero that can help take some of the pressure as well as solid role player Angel Di Maria. The team will have a balanced offensive attack set with goal-scoring fire power. However, their defense is the biggest question entering the tournament. Goalie Sergio Romero has not looked great over recent games, drawing doubt.
Bosnia-Herzegovina has the chance to make some offensive noise if Argentina cannot get it together. They won qualifying by putting together 30 goals in 10 games. Edin Dzeko put up 10 while having 26 with the Premier League. Most of the roster excelled on their club teams this season and hope to bring that success in the tournament.
Argentina is a favorite to win the World Cup, but can they respond to the challenge. So far, the team ahs yet to make an impact in tournament play. They are talented enough to get out of group play with ease, but after that it is anyone's guess. Bosnia-Herzegovina is hoping to prove they are no slouches against the world's best.