World Cup 2014 – Scout Notes – Matchday 2, Day 5

Lionel Messi fires a last-gasp winner to steer Argentina to victory over Iran. Andre Ayew and Asamoah Gyan both find the net as Ghana and Germany play out a four-goal thriller, while Peter Odemwingie fires Nigeria to a narrow victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Messi Leaves it Late
Alejandro Sabella returned to a three-man frontline for yesterday’s clash but his side were far from convincing against a resilient Iran. Once again, the Argentines were reliant on the Barcelona forward to save the day – Messi had notched a late winner against Bosnia last time round and repeated the feat again, curling home an exquisite effort from outside the box to win the game in injury time. Sabella’s decision to move away from a 5-3-2 (dropping Hugo Campagnaro and Maxi Rodriguez for Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain) saw Argentina register 77% possession and fire 21 shots, though a mere four attempts on target highlights their lack of accuracy. A final showdown against Nigeria gives Sabella’s side the chance to improve their form but on last night’s showing, some may think twice over handing Messi the Matchday 3 armband.

Iran So Close to Historic Draw
Despite keeping out Nigeria in their previous match, Carlos Queiroz’ side were expected to lose comfortably yesterday evening. Instead, Iran turned in a very disciplined display and, lining up in a well-drilled 4-5-1 formation, opened up their opponents with quick counter attacks on numerous occasions and were unlucky not to notch their first strike of the tournament. Yesterday’s obstinate display, however, certainly suggests Bosnia are faced with a tough task in their last group game against Quieroz’ team –given how well they shackled Messi and co, those who were previously eyeing up the Bosnians are perhaps reconsidering their plans for the final round of fixtures.

In the FIFA McDonald’s game, Javier Mascherano (nine) and Marcos Rojo (seven) were Argentina’s main men for recovered balls, while Andranik Timotian and Javad Nekounam were Iran’s top performers, with seven and six respectively.

Klose Saves German Blushes
Fantasy managers were confident of big returns for last night’s 8pm kick-off after Joachim Low’s side dismantled Portugal in their opener. Unchanged from the 4-0 win, Germany lined up in a 4-3-3 once again, with Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze and Mesut Ozil in the front three and while the Arsenal man drew another blank, the former two combined for the opener after Muller teed up Gotze to net from close-range. Thrown on as late with his side 2-1 down, Miraslov Klose’s record-equalling goal ensured Low’s side remain unbeaten but the performance was far from vintage, with their defence looking far from secure – while Muller owners will be optimistic of further returns for the last match with USA, their poor defensive display is likely to scare of potential backline buyers.

Ayew Nets Again for Ghana
The Africans made a couple of changes last night. Harrison Afful came in for Daniel Opare at right-back and justified his inclusion with an assist, while Kevin Prince-Boateng replaced Jordan Ayew in “the hole” behind lone forward, Asamoah Gyan. After scoring the consolation in last week’s loss to USA, Andrew Ayew underlined his worth as a budget midfield option across the Fantasy games by notching once more, whilst Gyan’s owners were also rewarded for the second game running – his strike added to an assist against Jurgen Klinsmann’s side. Upcoming opponents Portugal are set to welcome back centre-half Pepe from suspension next time round but there’s no doubt the Africans will be buoyed by last night’s thrilling display and, if they continue in the same vein, could well pick up attacking returns again.

In the FIFA McDonald’s game, Mats Hummels managed an excellent 11 recovered balls, while fellow Benedikt Howedes and Per Mertesacker produced six and five respectively. Ghana resgistered 50 to their opponents’ 40; Harrison Afful led the way with 10, Kwadwo Asamoah – who was fielded at left-back once again – managed nine, while John Boye (seven), Jonathan Mensah (six), Sulley Muntari and Andre Ayew (five apiece) all stood out in an excellent all-round performance.

Odemwingie Takes His Chance
It’s two games and two clean sheets for the Nigerians, who raised a few eyebrows by eliminating Bosnia last night. Having seen his side play out a goalless draw with Iran in the opener, Stephen Keshi made three changes to his starting XI – bringing in Joseph Yobo for Godfrey Oboabona at centre-half and handing Peter Odemwingie and Michel Babatunde slots in the attacking midfield three, with Victor Moses and Ramon Azeez dropping out. The Stoke wide man made the most of his opportunity by firing the only goal of the game, courtesy of an Emmanuel Emineke assist, to steer Nigeria into second spot in Group F with a clash against Argentina remaining – whilst the Nigerian defence have proven to be great differentials thus far, those who have benefitted from those shut-outs will be happy to bench their players against Messi and co.

Dzeko Misses Prove Costly
Bosnia arrived in Brazil 2014 with high expectations after qualifying as one of the highest scoring sides but have stuttered badly in their first World Cup. Safet Susic also made a trio of alterations for this one, with Roma’s Miralem Pjanic shifted to the attacking midfield three after being fielded in the double-pivot against the Argentines, though the Bosnia boss once again opted for a lone forward system and ignored the 4-3-1-2 that served his side so well during the qualifiers. In a very open match, both sides fired 20 attempts on goal, though there’s no doubt Susic’s side could have triumphed if Edin Dzeko hadn’t been so poor in front of goal – the City forward had eight efforts in yesterday’s match but, much to the frustration of his Fantasy owners, failed to find the net as his country crashed out of the competition. With just a face-saving clash against stubborn Iran left, many may even be looking to offload Dzeko and co as we scour for alternatives with everything still to play for.

In the FIFA McDonald’s game, central midfielder Ogenyi Onazi’s eight recovered balls led the way for the victors, with Efe Ambrose and Kenneth Omeruo (both seven), Juwon Oshaniwa (six) and John Obi Mikel and Odemwingie (both five) also catching the eye. Centre-half Emir Spahic produced an outstanding 13 for the Bosnians, while Muhamed Besic and Toni Sunjic, with seven and six, were next in line.