World Cup 2014 Group F Advancement: Iran Needs a Win, Argentina Looks to Close Group in Style

Bosnia have been hard luck participants in this World Cup, and are the only team in Group F eliminated, as Iran and Nigeria contest the final spot to advance, along with Argentina. Two goals, and one controversial non-goal, in the second set of games are the difference in the fortunes of the Group F teams. Bosnia’s Edin Dzeko appeared to score, but it was called back for offsides in what looked to be a bad decision. Nigeria then capitalized on a goal where the Bosnians wanted a foul called. Meanwhile, Iran held Argentina scoreless until Messi’s magical shot at the start of 2nd half stoppage time.

Iran has not scored yet in the World Cup, but still has a chance (which was the case for the Greeks yesterday as well). Here are the scenarios:

Argentina have advanced, and win the group with a win or draw versus Nigeria. If Nigeria win, Argentina is 2nd;
Nigeria win the group with a win over Argentina, finish 2nd with a draw, and also advance with a loss if Iran fails to defeat Bosnia;
Iran needs to beat Bosnia, have Nigeria lose to Argentina, and then have it come to tiebreakers.

There is a scenario where it could come down to the drawing of lots between Nigeria and Iran. That would involve Iran winning, Nigeria losing, and the two teams finishing with an identical Goals For and Goals Against record. Because they played to a draw head-to-head, the teams would then draw lots to see who advances. (A 1-0 Argentina win and 1-0 Iran win would, for example, lead to this result).

Argentina have plenty to play for, in addition to trying to put together their most complete match of the tournament. The Group winner gets 2nd place from Group E, which will likely be Ecuador or Switzerland. Second place will have to go against France, who have looked like one of the best sides at this World Cup so far.