Today’s edition of “What if we were Coach?” delves into Group F with Lionel Messi’s Argentina looking to put themselves on the path to World Cup immortality. With Bosnia-Herzegovina qualifying for the first time in their nations history, they will be looking to stamp their mark on the tournament, while Nigeria are in a transition period from their old guard to the new crop that are trying to stake their place in the national team set up. Iran have done well to get to another World Cup but much like other group bottom feeders, so they will hope to play spoiler rather than having any chance to make it to the next round. How would Drew and Young coach them? Well…you know the drill!
Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Nigeria, Iran
Drew takes point today;
Argentina – Much like England and the ghost of 1966, Argentina (and specifically Lionel Messi) have their own living ghost to contend with – Diego Maradona. Such is the legend Maradona has surrounded himself with and his World Cup winning performances in 1986 that Argentina demands a second trophy haul. Her players, on the same token, have been saddled with personal burdens as well – each wanting to be the next great individual to lead the nation to another win. So many have tried, all have failed – the likes of Gabriel Batistuta, Diego Simeone, Ariel Ortega, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Ayala and Hernan Crespo have all been apart of fantastic Argentinian teams that were fearsome on paper, but failed when in their application. Now the likes of Messi, Angel Di Maria, Kun Aguero, Javier Mascherano and Pablo Zabaleta will have to try to inspire an Argentine side that, while solid they are, just lack that extra bit to push them into the discussion of potential winners this summer. However, this being the World Cup, one of the only sporting events in the world that can be defined by a single moment in time, you just have to wonder if one single minute of brilliance could end up defining their entire journey this summer. While they are sound at the back, and ruthless in the attack, their midfield is their weakness and if they are to push towards the final, they must make sure that they are not easily exposed. Due to this, if I were the coach, I would deploy in a 4-2-3-1 with two defensive midfielders and allow the four attacking players to quickly counter the best they know how:
GK: Sergio Romero
DF: Marcos Rojo (LB), Ezequiel Garay (CB), Martin Demichelis (CB), Pablo Zabaleta (RB)
MF: Javier Mascherano (DM), Fernando Gago (DM); Angel Di Maria (LAM), Lionel Messi (CAM), Sergio Aguero (RAM)
FW: Gonzalo Higuain (CF)
Bosnia-Hervegovina – Even though they hard arguably the easiest group in UEFA qualifying for the World Cup, Bosnia-Hervegovina were never the less impressive, posting 30 goals in just ten qualifiers. Their luck continued by being drawn into a group where, with respect, they really should have no trouble getting into the round-of-16 in their first World Cup appearance. But to be a little realistic, despite the talented players they do have, a first appearance in a World Cup is like no other footballing experience, and how those players react to not only being involved in it, but dealing with a climate they have never experienced before…well…stranger things have happened in sports. Despite potential stumbling blocks via mental instability or an unforgiving climate, Bosnia has plenty to offer as a team that will trouble the entire group, even Argentina. Their attack is led by the under-appreciated Edin Dzeko, with players like Miralem Pjanic and Sejad Salihovic and Zvjezdan Misimovic running the show in midfield. However, apart from captain Emir Spahic, their back-line are woefully inexperienced and will no doubt see Stoke City keeper Asmir Begovic tested throughout their stay in Brazil. Regardless of the “what ifs”, Bosnia must stick to what got them here – attacking. In considering that, as coach, a 4-3-3 would be wise here, in order to give proper cover to the back-four but also midfield stability, especially against Argentina:
GK: Asmir Begovic
DF: Sead Kolasinac (LB), Emir Spahic (CB), Ermin Bicakcic (CB), Avdija Vrsajevic (RB)
MF: Haris Medunjanin (DM); Miralem Pjanic (CM), Senad Lulic (CM)
FW: Sejad Salihovic (LW), Edin Dzeko (CF), Izet Hajrovic (RW)
Nigeria – The Super Eagles are one of the elite when it comes to African football. Despite having so many recognized high profile players in the past, Nigeria are in the midst of trying to rediscover their identity on the pitch, one that saw them win the 1996 gold medal in the summer Olympics. Their past is populated with names such as Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Finidi George and current head coach Stephen Keshi. Despite Nigeria possessing the physical prowess and blistering pace that all elite African footballing nations have, and regardless of Nigerian players always finding their way into high-tier European leagues, somehow, someway, they always fall short. Their last two World Cup appearances saw them bounced from the group stage, while their first two previously found them in the round of 16 but no further. Yes, like all African nations, Nigeria must understand that power and pace will only get you so far in a World Cup – technical ability always comes to the fore. The good news for Nigeria is just over the horizon however, as the team called into the pre-Brazil camp is quite young. Five out of eight defenders are younger than 25 and six out of eight midfielders are younger than 25 – Nigeria are going through somewhat of a revitalization as the old are finally beginning to make way for the new. It may not be in enough time for Nigeria to make waves this summer, but in another for years, their young players will be far more experienced and hopefully will have added technical ability to their footballing dossier. As coach, to highlight their power and pace, a 4-5-1 would be in order, with a flat midfield three that can transition and wide players to support a loan striker:
GK: Vincent Enyeama
DF: Elderson (LB), Joseph Yobo (CB), Godfrey Oboabona (CB), Efe Ambrose (RB)
MF: Victor Moses (LM), Joel Obi (CM), John Obi Mikel (CM), Ogenyi Onazi (CM), Ahmed Musa (RM)
FW: Emmanuel Emenike (ST)
Iran – Much like their internal and external political climate, the Iranian national team is largely unknown and unpredictable to say the least – honestly, I think they actually prefer it that way. The vast majority of their players prefer to play domestically, and while that may be just fine for getting them into the World Cup, usually that spells disaster once at the tournament. Three World Cup appearances, nine matches and one win. Having not qualified for 2010 in South Africa, Iran are looking to rebound with a commendable showing in Brazil, and with the experienced Carlos Queiroz at the helm and a new sense of tactical aptitude amongst Iranian players, they could well at least get a result out of their match against Nigeria. Their recent shift to an attacking 4-2-3-1 under Quieroz and a few of their top players now playing in European leagues, as coach, I would deploy in the same fashion, sit back and just let them enjoy themselves without pressure:
GK: Daniel Davari
DF: Mehrdad Pooladi (LB), Jalal Hosseini (CB), Amir Sadeghi (CB), Hossein Mahini (RB)
MF: Javad Nekounam (CM), Andranik Teymourian (CM); Masoud Shojaei (LAM), Ashkan Dejagah (CAM), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (RAM)
FW: Reza Ghoochannejhad
And now Young’s go at it;
Argentina – For some reason, I can’t help but associate the key attacker for Argentina to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Every time Messi, Di Maria, Aguero, and Higuain initiate their combination passes and put opposing defense in panic, it just feels like the end of the world for the other team. If you’re a fan of the team facing Argentina, you can’t help but feel traumatized after the match…that is unless your team manages to beat Argentina with a clever counter-attack to expose their suspect defense. Argentina will be entering the World Cup without center back Fabricio Coloccini, raising doubts as to how well their defense will perform. Perhaps that little guy Lionel Messi could mask those defensive problems if he keeps attacking and holding the ball. If Argentina wants to succeed this season, they will have to go with the belief that the best defense is offense. Like Drew, 4-2-3-1 will be the way to go for Argentina:
GK: Sergio Romero
DF: Pablo Zabaleta (RB), Ezequiel Garay (CB), Huga Campagnaro (CB), Marcos Rojo (LB)
MF: Javier Mascherano (CDM), Fernando Gago (CM), Lionel Messi (CAM), Angel Di Maria (RAM), Sergio Aguero (RAM)
FW: Gonzalo Higuain (CF)
Bosnia-Hervegovina – I have to agree with most of what Drew said. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defense doesn’t give the assurance of confidence against the likes of Argentina and might get caught sleeping against the likes of Iran. Moreover, the Brazilian weather could drain whatever motivation and energy they had for this tournament. Still, you can’t deny the talent of their inspirational striker Eden Dzeko who had a superb season in Manchester City and carried the team’s offensive load during qualifiers. Moreover, they have Miralem Pjanic who is considered one of the most talented midfielders in the world. If Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to succeed, they should rely on the blueprint that brought them to the World Cup stage: 4-3-3
GK: Asmir Begovic
DF: Sead Kolasinac (LB), Emir Spahic (CB), Ermin Bicakcic (CB), Avdija Vrsajevic (RB)
MF: Haris Medunjanin (CDM), Miralem Pjanic (CM), Sejad Salihovic (CM)
FW: Senad Lulic (LW), Eden Dzeko (ST), Ermic Zec (RW)
Nigeria – Even if Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa, I have a hard time believing this team has what it takes to escape Group F. Although this team boasts tremendous pace and athleticism, they take a while to impose their style of play against opponents due to their lack of cohesiveness. As Drew said in his blurb, “power and pace only get you so far in a World Cup.” One of the recurring problems that has plagued Nigeria since 2010 is their inefficiency in front of goal. More often than not, they’ve wasted good chances in front of the net. In the World Cup, every goal counts and the likes of Victor Moses and Emmanuel Emenike must be on point when they get the ball in the box. The climate may be the only thing working in their favor and are more likely to score in the case of a 0-0 or 1-1 tie in the 70th minute mark. They have the energy and mental capacity to withstand the Brazilian heat. If I were coaching Nigeria, I’d tell my players to use their pace and strength to physically break down and disrupt the opposing offense. Look for counterattacks in case the opposing team draws out too many players into the offense. Once the opposing team looks exhausted or frustrated, transition to an attack formation and go for the knockout punch. That said a 4-5-1 that can transition to 4-3-3 late game will be the key steps to success for Nigeria.
GK: Vincent Enyeama
DF: Elderson (LB), Joseph Yobo (CB), Godfrey Oboabona (CB), Efe Ambrose (RB)
MF: John Mikel Obi (CDM), Ogenyi Onazi (CM), Joel Obi (CM), Victor Moses (LM – LW), Ahmed Mousa (RM – RW)
FW: Emmanuel Emenike (ST)
Iran – I gotta love what Carlos Quierez is doing with the culture of the Iran National Team by bringing in players with Iranian heritage from other countries into the national team. So far he’s brought on some key talents in Germany like Ashkan Dejagah and Daniel Davari, and called up Steven Beitashour from the MLS to help supplement the backline. However, their most important piece is Reza Ghoochannejhad who has been a revelation up top. Although these foreign-based players have improved the makeup of the Iranian national team, it still doesn’t go on to say that Carlos Quieroz’s coaching is suspect. Although their athleticism and Nekounam’s game-controlling abilities helped Iran make easy work of their qualifying rounds, they’re no longer in Asia and are facing extremely talented teams in their group. They will have to go defensive and rely on counter attacks in order to make it out. If I were to coach Iran, I’d go 4-5-1 and park the bus.
GK: Daniel Davari
DF: Steven Beitashour (RB), Jalal Hosseini (CB), Pejman Montazeri (CB), Ehsan Hajsafi (LB)
MF: Andranik Teymourian (CMD), Javad Nekounam (CM), Ashkan Dejagah (CAM), Masoun Shojaei (LM),
Alireza Jahanbakhsh (RM)
FW: Reza Ghoochannejhad (ST)