Monday, June 16, 2014

World Cup Cheat-Sheet: Ladies Edition (Group F: Argentina, Bosnia &Herzegovina, Iran & Nigeria)

The World Cup scoreboard as of this morning:


So far, a few upsets, a few triumphs, some minor scandals and a few snoozes but one thing that will never put you to sleep is watching Argentina play.

Here's a look at Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-H., Iran & Nigeria

Argentina:
Argentina! land of long hair, short shorts & sexy goals (besides great wine & steak!)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The team's nickname: Albiceleste
- Playing style: Attack, Attack & oh yeah, ATTACK! they're known for sometimes leaving a few minor holes in defense but there's no denying their quick, stylistic attacking prowess and Coach "Pachorra" (Calm) Sabella will try to keep his men in line, all the way to the final.
- Players to watch: Lionel Messi has been given the Captain's armband, a true symbol of the country's belief in "La Pulga" (the flea). Higuain (El Pipita) & Aguero (Kun) will also have a chance to strut their stuff
- How far can they go: ARG & FRA are the only 2 teams to win every major FIFA men's tourney but ARG has done it all with out the help of Platini & Blatter ;) And this time Argentina is in Brazil, the land of their biggest rival (before England & Germany). These 2 footballing nations treat futbol as a religion and Messi is Argentina's god. No matter how Argentines feel about his results for the national shirt, they all agree that Messi is one of, if not, THE greatest footballer in the world. If you look at the numbers, ARG has lost only 2 out of their 16 qualification games so Argentina is extrememly hungry for a championship on Brazilian soil & I truly believe the final will be ARG vs DE or ARG vs BRA, so if you're looking for a real clasico? This will be the Super-Uber clasico!
- Lastly, here is one of Argentina's most 'valuable' players for reference purposes ;)

Higuain's develish smile
 
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Bosnia & Herzegovina :
Its's the country's first showing since the break up of Yugoslavia and they have a group of talented players trying to make history

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The team's nickname: B&H's nickname is "zmajevi" which means "dragons"
- Playing style: fun team to watch thanks to one of the best passers in the world; Pjanic
- Players to watch: Pjanic & Edin Dzeko
- How far can they go: Coach Susic scored a hat-trick as a player for the former Yugoslavia against Argentina in 1979 (& was named best-ever foreign player at PSG) so he's out to prove he can do it again, this time as Coach, but as you saw last night, Bosnia needs to regroup and try their best to keep their 2nd place hopes on track after the own-goal they scored at the 3rd minute.
- Lastly, here is one of BH's most 'valuable' players for reference purposes ;)

Emir Spahic, the rock of the Bosnian team

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Iran:
Iran does well in regional competitions & now they hope Coach Quiroz can help them make the same kind of impression at the World Cup

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The team's nickname: "Team Melli" which means National Team
- Playing style: Tough, determined but lacking foresight & fluidity
- Players to watch: Reza (Gucci) G.
- How far can they go: Portuguese coach Queiroz, known for his stints at Real Madrid, Man U & the POR natl team, has led Iran & South Afirca to the world championships but with the likes of Bosnia & ARG, I dont think they'll make it out of the group
- Lastly, here are 2 of Iran's most 'valuable' players for reference purposes ;)

Javad Nekounam + Alireza Jahan Bakhsh


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Nigeria:
The current African champions are looking to take home some international bling

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The team's nickname: "The Super Eagles"
- Playing style: Bold, blazing & bombastic
- Players to watch: Kenneth Omeruo & Vincent Enyeama
- How far can they go: Coach Keshi is only 1 of 2 men who have won the Africa Cup of Nations as both player & coach but can he infuse that type of discipline & proper strategy into this squad? If Bosnia doesn't get its act together, Nigeria just might have a chance at reaching the R16
- Lastly, here is one of Nigeria's most 'valuable' players for reference purposes ;)

You'll always be safe in Vincent Enyeama's hands

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