Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina faced off today in their Group F opening match at the famed Estadio Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. The Argentines got off to a flying start with a dangerously whipped in free kick deflecting off Sead Kolasinac for the first goal of the match in only the 3rd minute, the fastest own goal in World Cup history. The Bosnians didn't sulk, however, and responded with good pressure on the Argentine defense. A chance in the 13th minute saw Izet Harovic's chance blocked well by goalkeeper Sergio Romero after a wonderful ball from Miralem Pjanic found him behind the Argentinian defense and in on goal.
The Bosnians did well to close down Lionel Messi, who showed very little in the first half, not allowing the Barcelona star and 4 time Ballon d'Or winner to find space in the attacking third. Bosnia were better than the Argentines in the opening period and got their best chance of the half from a corner on 40 minutes when Senad Lulic headered the ball cleanly forcing an excellent save from Romero. Argentina struggled to find chemistry throughout the first 45, with their three most attack minded players -- Messi, Sergio Aguero, and Angel di Maria -- showing very little in the form of clever interplay. Argentina went into the break up 1-0 but with many questions still left to answer.
Argentine coach Alejandro Sabella decided to make two substitutions at half time, bringing on Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago for a more attacking formation. But in the first 10 minutes of the second half the substitutions did little to change the game with the Bosnians still well in control and attacking sharply, but the Europeans we're unable to find the equalizer.
And boy did it come to haunt them in the form of a lethal Flea. Lionel Messi, immediately after taking a horrible free kick, scored a fabulous goal after escaping the defense with a wonderful piece of individual dribbling. The second goal both brought the Argentines to life, and sucked the life out of their opponents. The Argentines became more confident, possessed the ball well, and moved the ball briskly.
But their celebration was put on ice when a great through ball was put between the legs of Sergio Romero by Vedad Ibišević on 85 minutes and the Argentinian lead was cut in half. The goal was deserved and the Bosnians showed good attacking prowess throughout the match, but it was simply not enough to defeat the Argentina side, which will lok to improve in their next group game. The Argentinians will face Iran on Saturday, June 21 and the Bosnians will play against Nigeria on the same day.
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