Arena Pantanal.
Despite making life difficult for Alejandro Sabella's Argentina on Sunday, their reverse sees them prop up Group F after Nigeria claimed a point with a goalless draw against Iran.
Argentina were granted an early lead when Sead Kolasinac scored an own goal in the third minute, but from thereon in World Cup debutants Bosnia kept the free-flowing South Americans at bay.
A moment of magic from Lionel Messi doubled the Argentinian advantage before Vedad Ibisevic gave the Bosnians hope, though, that was extinguished as Sabella's side held out to take control of the group.
There were signs of promise for Bosnia, who managed to hit the target with 11 shots against Argentina and their attacking approach, led by Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, will test the
Nigerian defence.
Although this will be the first ever meeting between the nations history weighs against Nigeria, who have not won any of their last nine
World Cup matches, but should they reverse that record Bosnia could potentially be eliminated from the competition.
Ibisevic's contributions from the bench at the Maracana could mean that he is in contention for a starting berth, should coach Safet
Susic opt to make any changes for a match he understands is crucial to their hopes of progression.
"We have still two games to play and I told my players this was not the key match, that we could afford to lose but not by a large margin and this is what we achieved," he said.
"If Argentina wins all their matches, we may only need four points to qualify - everything
hangs on the match between Nigeria and Iran."
Stephen Keshi, the Nigeria head coach, has headaches of a different kind with a number of injury concerns ahead of their second outing.
Their hopes of reaching the Round of 16 were handed a blow with defender Godfrey Oboabona ruled out with an ankle injury, while Kenneth Omeruo, Ahmed Musa and Reuben Gabriel are all doubts.
Keshi put Nigeria's tentative performance in the Iran stalemate down to early tournament nerves, but acknowledged they must improve and beat Bosnia if they are to keep their hopes of making the last 16 alive.
"The boys were nervous and unsettled - you don't do that at this stage," he claimed.
"It happens in football. We really didn't perform as expected but we have to move on.
"I wanted a win but we must take a draw. We must do better to get a win against Bosnia."
0 comments: