World Cup 2014 – Dugout Discussion – Matchday 2, Day 5

A couple of the tournament favourites take to the pitch in this evening’s three matches. The 5pm kick-off sees Argentina square up to Iran as the South Americans look to build on their opening win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks to Lionel Messi’s late wonder strike:

Alejandro Sabella sprung a surprise in the first match by ditching the 4-3-3 formation used in qualifying to move to a 5-3-2, forcing Gonzalo Higuain onto the bench. A half-time reshuffle allowed the Napoli man to lead the line, with Messi and Sergio Aguero on either side, and many suspect the three could feature from the off this time around.

At 8pm, Germany go head-to-head with Ghana as Group G returns to action. A convincing 4-0 win over Portugal ensures Joachim Low’s men approach this one with their morale sky-high as Thomas Muller attempts to add to his Matchday 1 hat-trick, while fellow-scorer Mats Hummels will be hoping to recover from a knock in time to take his place in the heart of defence. Elsewhere, Mesut Ozil and Mario Gotze owners will be optimistic of returns after the pair were fielded in a front three in the opener. Having lost to USA in their opener, the Africans have it all to do, with Asamoah Gyan carrying the main threat in the lone forward role.

For late-night viewing, Bosnia return to action at 11pm against a Nigeria side that registered a goalless draw with Iran in their first match. Safet Susic’s side were a little unfortunate to lose to the Argentine’s and with a win essential, he could return to a front two, allowing Veda Ibisevic to partner Edin Dzeko, after the former climbed off the bench to net in the 2-1 defeat.