By Alan Duffy
Argentina 2-1 Bosnia Herzegovina – World Cup Group F – 15th June 2014
Argentina secured a hard-fought win in their Group F opener after being pushed all the way by an impressive Bosnian side. The Balkan team, playing in their first major finals, suffered a nightmare start when defender Sead Kolasinac put through his own net after just three minutes of action.
However, despite taking the lead early on, Argentina struggled to find their rhythm with even Lionel Messi producing a poor performance. Bosnia, on the other hand, defended superbly and matched their big name opponents throughout the first period.
Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella brought on Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain at half-time as well as changing from a 3-5-2 to a flat-back four and the change would ultimately reap rewards when Messi conjured up a superb solo strike just after the hour-mark. But Bosnia still weren’t out of the game and sub Vedad Ibisevic’s late reply made for a nervous finale for La Albiceleste, who will have to improve if they are to prove serious contenders for the title.
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Photos: PA
Highlights: DailyMotion