BY Victor Akhidenor
Argentina were made to work hard before claiming a 2-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in their World Cup Group F opener.
An early goal did not spark a floodgate of goals, but Lionel Messi showed his class with a wonderful second-half effort that set Argentina on their way to grabbing the three points at stake.
Vedad Ibisevic set up a grandstand finish when poking a shot through the legs of Sergio Romero with six minutes remaining, but Argentina held on.
If Bosnia-Herzegovina had a game plan to frustrate Argentina, it went out of the window three minutes into the contest.
Sergio Aguero was hacked down on the left and Mensur Mujdza was made to pay a heavy price. A wicked free-kick from Messi was flicked on by Marcos Rojo and the ball hit Sead Kolasinac and dribbled over the line.
The goal was a major setback for a side facing one of the favourites for the competition, but they shook off the blow to match Argentina early on.
The Bosnias’ work-rate was impressive, swarming round the likes of Messi, Aguero and Angel Di Maria when not in possession, and driving forward at pace when in control of the ball.
Izet Hajrovic caused the first major scare for Argentina when dashing beyond the back-line, but Romero was swift to race off his line to make a brave save.
It was not exactly the expected free-flowing spectacle from Argentina, with the early goal possibly acting as an inhibitor.
Argentina held on though, to secure a 2-1 win in Group F against the only tournament debutants in Brazil.
Nigeria play Iran at 8pm on Monday in the other group game.
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