It's time for part 2 of today's four-part marathon, featuring Argentina.
ARGENTINA
Manager: Alejandro Sabella
Team Overview: Is Lionel Messi one of the best footballers ever? The Argentine star man will have a chance to prove it when he plays in Brasil this year. Messi has tended to stuggle when it comes to international football, and has not yet won the World Cup, though he hopes to change that.
X-Factor: Believe it or not, La Albicelestes have other players whose names do not end in Messi. The back line consits of Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta and Marcus Rojo, and the star-studded midfield includes Javier Mascherano and Ever Banega. These players' form will be crucial to La Albicelestes just as much as Messi's.
Where they'll finish: There are no more excuses for Messi, no more hidey-holes to climb into. It's time for the Argentine skipper to win the World Cup. The midfield is there, the back line is very strong, and it is now time for Messi to take the ball and run all the way to Rio De Janeiro.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Manager: Safet Susic
Team Overview: For the first time ever, The Dragons are in the World Cup, and their nation could not be more proud. It took twenty years, and the former state of Yugoslavia had finally taken a spot among some of the world's most elite football nations.
X-Factor: Where will Susic set the bar for his men? The Dragons are finally in the World Cup, but there is talent on this team for them to do so much more. Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko will be the target man up top, Miralem Pjanic shoulders the midfield burden, skipper Emir Spahic has the defending covered, and Asmir Begovic will the ball out of the back of the net.
Where they'll finish: Here's to hoping Susic sees what his men are capable of and makes sure to let them know that the sky's the limit. To see this 20-year odyssey end in the group stage would be a disappointment, and The Dragons have the talent to avoid that eventuality.
IRAN
Manager: Carlos Queiroz
Team Overview: Queiroz is one of the most experienced managers at Brasil this year, which comes in stark contrast to his side, which has some of the least experience. The former head coach of Real Madrid and former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United will head Team Melli in Brasil.
X-Factor: The players. Queiroz will garner most of the attention, but ultimately the fate of this team will be with the players. Reza Ghoochannejhad, or Gucci, will spearhead the attack up top, and one of Iran's most experienced men, skipper Javad Nekonam, will head the midfield section.
Where they'll finsih: Iran is a proud nation, and Team Melli won't go down without a fight. Gucci will be called upon to recreate his qualifying magic, but if worst comes to worst, Team Melli's fate will fall into Queroz's hands.
NIGERIA
Manager: Stephen Keshi
Team Overview: The Super Eagles lifted the African Cup of Nations in 2013, and will be looking to build upon that triumph. Former skipper Keshi will take the reins for Nigeria, and Super Eagle fans will fondly remember his time on the team of 1994.
X-Factor: Experience on the pitch. Keshi will be able to be the public leader of the Super Eagles, but on the pitch, experience will be sparse. However, younger talent will be available, in Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel, and centerback Efe Ambrose.
Where they'll finish: Just like 1994, Keshi will once again be called upon to lead a team of young, talented players. Super Eagle fans will be hoping the results play out the same way.
LIKELY TO ADVANCE: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina
ARGENTINA
Manager: Alejandro Sabella
Team Overview: Is Lionel Messi one of the best footballers ever? The Argentine star man will have a chance to prove it when he plays in Brasil this year. Messi has tended to stuggle when it comes to international football, and has not yet won the World Cup, though he hopes to change that.
X-Factor: Believe it or not, La Albicelestes have other players whose names do not end in Messi. The back line consits of Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta and Marcus Rojo, and the star-studded midfield includes Javier Mascherano and Ever Banega. These players' form will be crucial to La Albicelestes just as much as Messi's.
Where they'll finish: There are no more excuses for Messi, no more hidey-holes to climb into. It's time for the Argentine skipper to win the World Cup. The midfield is there, the back line is very strong, and it is now time for Messi to take the ball and run all the way to Rio De Janeiro.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Manager: Safet Susic
Team Overview: For the first time ever, The Dragons are in the World Cup, and their nation could not be more proud. It took twenty years, and the former state of Yugoslavia had finally taken a spot among some of the world's most elite football nations.
X-Factor: Where will Susic set the bar for his men? The Dragons are finally in the World Cup, but there is talent on this team for them to do so much more. Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko will be the target man up top, Miralem Pjanic shoulders the midfield burden, skipper Emir Spahic has the defending covered, and Asmir Begovic will the ball out of the back of the net.
Where they'll finish: Here's to hoping Susic sees what his men are capable of and makes sure to let them know that the sky's the limit. To see this 20-year odyssey end in the group stage would be a disappointment, and The Dragons have the talent to avoid that eventuality.
IRAN
Manager: Carlos Queiroz
Team Overview: Queiroz is one of the most experienced managers at Brasil this year, which comes in stark contrast to his side, which has some of the least experience. The former head coach of Real Madrid and former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United will head Team Melli in Brasil.
X-Factor: The players. Queiroz will garner most of the attention, but ultimately the fate of this team will be with the players. Reza Ghoochannejhad, or Gucci, will spearhead the attack up top, and one of Iran's most experienced men, skipper Javad Nekonam, will head the midfield section.
Where they'll finsih: Iran is a proud nation, and Team Melli won't go down without a fight. Gucci will be called upon to recreate his qualifying magic, but if worst comes to worst, Team Melli's fate will fall into Queroz's hands.
NIGERIA
Manager: Stephen Keshi
Team Overview: The Super Eagles lifted the African Cup of Nations in 2013, and will be looking to build upon that triumph. Former skipper Keshi will take the reins for Nigeria, and Super Eagle fans will fondly remember his time on the team of 1994.
X-Factor: Experience on the pitch. Keshi will be able to be the public leader of the Super Eagles, but on the pitch, experience will be sparse. However, younger talent will be available, in Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel, and centerback Efe Ambrose.
Where they'll finish: Just like 1994, Keshi will once again be called upon to lead a team of young, talented players. Super Eagle fans will be hoping the results play out the same way.
LIKELY TO ADVANCE: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina
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