Despite being closely marked all night Lionel Messi inspired his Argentine side to a 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening Group F, 2014 FIFA World Cup match at the Maracana in Rio De Janeiro on Sunday.
It was the worst possible start for Bosinia who conceded a goal in the third minute when Sead Kolasinac turned a left-sided free-kick into his own net, 1-0.
After that, however, the Bosnia defence continuously frustrated the Argentine attack and in particular Messi who was swamped by two or three players every time he touched the ball.
The next effort on goal only came on the half hour mark when Javier Mascherano let fly from 25-yards out, but saw his effort well-saved by the keeper.
Bosnia were virtually non-existent in attack, but started to come to the party as the half neared its end.
Their first and only decent effort of the half came in the 40 minute when Senad Lulic met a corner-kick, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Sergio Romero.
The start of the second half saw Bosnia continue with their attacking pressure and they came close five minutes after the restart when Izet Hajrovic’s 24-yard free-kick was touched around the post by Romero in acrobatic fashion.
In the 65 minute Messi showed his worth when he beat two defenders before superbly curling the ball home from 20-yards out, the ball bouncing off the inside of the post and into the net, 2-0.
Bosnia tried to fight back and found a consolation goal in the 84 minute when Vedad Ibisevic broke behind the Argentine defence and slipped the ball under the onrushing keeper to make it 2-1.
Argentina, though, managed to hold on for the win and the first three points in Group F which also consists of Nigeria and Iran.
For more sports news visit allSports.com.gh
This article has 0 comment, leave your comment.