Argentina have got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start after they recorded a 2-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Rio de Janeiro.
The South American outfit got off to the perfect start when Sead Kolasinac put through his own net, but it was a subdued performance from Alejandro Sabella's men during the first half.
However, Lionel Messi capped an improved display in the second half with a spectacular goal from 20 yards, and although Vedad Ibisevic managed to halve the deficit with five minutes remaining, Argentina held on for the three points.
Read below to see how the action unfolded at the Maracana.
Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's coverage of the World Cup match between Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
It's been a long time coming, but finally, the world gets to see Argentina make their bow at the 2014 World Cup, and what a stage to start on. Rio de Janeiro's Maracana is expected to be packed to capacity with Argentine supporters as one of the pre-tournament favourites start their bid for a first World Cup for 28 years against Bosnia-Herzegovina, who are making their debut appearance at the finals.
This tournament has already provided goals galore and I expect it to be no different this evening. Argentina's squad is packed with firepower, and Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero will surely add a few goals between them before the tournament has come to a conclusion, but Bosnia, whose attack is lead by Manchester City's Edin Dzeko, proved during their qualification campaign that they have little problem hitting the back of the net with 30 goals in 10 games.
Without further ado, how about I bring you both teams. Surprises in either lineup are few and far between, but still, I suppose I had better confirm that some of the world's star performers will be gracing the Maracana pitch in 50 minutes time.
ARGENTINA XI: Romero; Zabaleta, Campagnaro, Fernandez, Garay, Marcos Rojo; Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez, Di Maria; Aguero, Messi
As expected, Argentina go with five at the back, with three centre-backs and two wing-backs. However, it's their talent further up the pitch that catches the eye, and much of the onus will be be on Messi, Aguero and Di Maria to provide a cutting edge in the final third.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA XI: Begovic; Mujdza, Spahic, Kolasinac, Bicakcic; Hajrovic, Pjanic, Misimovic; Besic, Lulic, Dzeko
Like Argentina, Bosnia line up with the team that was pretty much expected. Viewers of the Premier League will immediately noticed the names of Dzeko and Asmir Begovic, while coach Safet Susic can also call upon the talents of Roma star Miralem Pjanic.
Missed any of the action earlier in the day? Don't worry, we've had it all covered. Group E got underway with Switzerland and France both getting three points on the board. Switzerland fought back from a goal behind to net a last-minute winner against Ecuador while France were far too strong for a limited Honduras side, evenutally running out 3-0 victors.
The Maracana is already a sea of blue and white. I read earlier today that half of Buenos Aries had descended upon Rio, which was a slight exaggeration but you get their point. The Argentina supporters desperately want to win this tournament on the soil of one of their fierce rivals and a win this evening would go a long way to seeing them qualify for the knockout stages as group winners. You would think anyway...
Here's a photo from Rio. There are a few empty seats, but I'm sure that will change before kickoff.
The Maracana #ARG v #BIH #worldcup And a @MirrorFootball live blog here: http://t.co/8inHak5VPn What's not to like? pic.twitter.com/Zb1MpRjOS8
— Martin Lipton (@MartinLipton) June 15, 2014
The other two teams competing in this group, Nigeria and Iran, begin their campaign tomorrow evening. In theory, it should be a three-way battle for second place between those two sides and Bosnia, and there's a chance that goal difference could play its part. Bosnia are a talented outfit but making your World Cup debut at the Maracana could potentially be an overwhelming experience and they need to ensure that they don't lose heavily to their opponents tonight.
Bosnia supporters haven't travelled to South America in their hundreds for this tournament, but this is the scene back home - this is a memorable experience for all involved.
This is Brčko #bih pic.twitter.com/kyUSLOygIh
— BiHFootball (@BiHFootball) June 15, 2014
Moving away from tonight's game for a moment, reports have emerged this evening that Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain, who currently plays for Napoli, is close to joining Barcelona. The reports have been rejected by the Serie A club, but it's one to keep an eye on throughout the summer.
We are less than 15 minutes away from kickoff in Brazil. Time for a prediction...
PREDICTION! I've got a feeling that Bosnia will find a way to get through the group, but they could find themselves blown away this evening by an Argentina side who are eager to make an impact on the global stage again. Star man Lionel Messi also has a point to prove after previously failing to perform at a World Cup, and if he and Sergio Aguero click into gear, this could be a long night for the debutants. 4-0 to Argentina.
The two teams are lining up in the tunnel. There are plenty of smiles from the Argentina players, but not so much from Bosnia. They looked focused, though.
Listen to that roar! Argentina are greeted to a rapturous reception. This national anthem is going to be quite the spectacle.
There is very little in the way of words coming from the players, but the Argentina supporters are blowing the roof (if it had one...) off the Maracana. It's more of a subdued effort from Bosnia, who do have a selection of supporters in attendance, but this feels very much like a home game for Argentina.
Argentina get us underway in Rio.
The Brazilian contingent are, unsurprisingly, booing Argentina's every touch. It's making for a very surreal atmosphere.
GOAL! Argentina 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Kolasinac own goal)
Disaster for Bosnia! They are so unlucky, too. Lionel Messi swung a free kick in from the left and after a slight deflection, the ball was diverted into his own net at the back post by Sead Kolasinac. It could be a long night for Bosnia...
Bosnia have barely had a touch of the ball, but they win a free kick on the right, which is headed out for a corner by Ezequiel Garay. The corner is a good one, but Sergio Romero does well to punch clear.
It must be difficult to hear yourself think down on the pitch at the Maracana. Three sets of supporters are in full voice. Bosnia have settled into this now, and Messi and Aguero are struggling to have any impact on the match. There is plenty of time for that to change though.
CHANCE! Argentina are on the back foot here! Izet Hajrovic almost gets in after collecting a floated ball over the top of the defence, but Sergio Romero comes out to punch clear. Moments later, Bosnia won a free kick from around 30 yards out, but Miralem Pjanic's shot was straight into the wall.
Bosnia are passing the ball around with ease at the moment, which is a turn up for the books. They had a shaky start, but they look like World Cup veterans now. They need to keep their focus though, because one mistake and Argentina will take advantage.
It has to be said that Lionel Messi hasn't offered an awful lot so far. Maybe it's because of Bosnia's specific plan to stifle him, but he hasn't looked his usual self. In fact, none of Argentina's players can claim to be playing at the best. They are chasing shadows.
BOOKING! Marcos Rojo goes into the book for a late challenge on Mensur Mujdza on the left flank. It's a deserved caution. The resulting set piece causes confusion in the Argentina penalty area but the ball ricochets in Argentina's favour and they are able to clear.
Argentina are effectively playing four centre-backs at the moment, Javier Mascherano is dropping deep alongside Ezequiel Garay, but it's not helping his side create any momentum. A slow, methodical buildup ends with the ball being lost in the final third.
That's a bit better from Argentina, who capitalise on a poor clearance from Asmir Begovic, but after the ball is worked to Maxi Rodriguez around 30 yards from goal, the former Liverpool man could only drive his attempt a few yards over the crossbar.
SHOT! The South American outfit are beginning to speed up their play, and after an incisive move ends with the ball being played to Javier Mascherano, the midfielder's effort from distance was punched clear by Begovic.
CHANCE! That's a bit selfish from Edin Dzeko, but you can't blame him for taking a shot. The ball was drilled into him on the edge of the area, but despite having options to his left, he opted to turn before curling the ball over Sergio Romero's goal.
OUCH! Sergio Aguero and Ermin Bicakcic both jump to win a high ball, but in doing so, they clash heads, with the back of Bicakcic's head making contact with Aguero's cheekbone. It looks a nasty one, but both men are back on their feet after treatment.
Lionel Messi has began to drop into midfield to try to free himself from pressure from Bosnia's defenders, but the midfield are equal to the task of closing him down. It's been an uninspiring half from the Barcelona maestro.
SAVE! Bosnia come so close to an equaliser. A corner from the right finds Senad Lulic, but Sergio Romero pulls off a solid stop the Lazio midfielder's header. I never thought that I would say this but Argentina could do with half time.
A fine bit of skill sees Angel Di Maria break from the left before the ball eventually finds Messi, who finally shows some of his ability in driving into the penalty area. However, rather than shoot, he tries to play in Sergio Aguero, but the pass is intercepted. There will be one minute of added-on time.
HALF TIME: Argentina 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
The half-time whistle goes in Rio, and Argentina hold a 1-0 lead over Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, it hasn't been the half that we were all expecting. After taking the lead in fortuitous circumstances, Argentina have looked slow and lethargic, while Bosnia have relished their debut on the big stage.
Both teams have had six shots on goal, but it's Bosnia who have tested the opposition's goalkeeper on more occasions. They've also won three corners to Argentina's one, although the South American's have had 60% of possession.
If you want to keep up-to-date with developments in Brazil, I would advise following our World Cup blog. It has everything from team news, pre-match quotes and reports and reaction from the matches earlier today. You can take a look by clicking here.
SUBSTITUTIONS! Argentina are making two substitutions. Wow. Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago have been introduced in place of Maxi Rodriguez and Hugo Campagnaro. we are back underway.
Those alterations have brought a change in formation, too. Lionel Messi has dropped behind Sergio Aguero and Higuain, while Argentina have also gone to a back four.
Bosnia win a free kick after a crude challenge from Federico Fernandez on Edin Dzeko. The set piece is 25 yards out, what can Bosnia do? Izet Hajrovic gets his shot on target, but Sergio Romero comfortably deals with the effort.
It's still relatively early days, but Argentina haven't improved too much. They are playing with very little width, and Bosnia are enjoying some joy down either flank.
CHANCE! Lionel Messi makes his first positive impact on this match by jinking towards goal before laying the ball off to Sergio Aguero, but the Manchester City spoons his shot high into the stands from 12 yards. He usually finds the far top corner from that position.
Bosnia hit back immediately through the lively Izet Hajrovic, who whips a teasing ball into the penalty area, but despite nearly colliding with Sergio Romero, Federico Fernandez managed to head the ball behind for a corner.
Lionel Messi is beginning to warm to the task now. He shows nimble footwork to break away from the Bosnia midfield, but despite being in a position to shoot, he plays the ball to Sergio Aguero, who drills a weak effort straight at Asmir Begovic.
BOOKING! Bosnia skipper Emir Spahic clatters into the back of Sergio Aguero and is deservedly handed a yellow card. He acknowledges his error, too. Argentina have a free kick from almost 30 yards out, but he curls it harmlessly over the crossbar.
GOAL! Argentina 2-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Messi)
Dare doubt Lionel Messi and that's what he will do. What a stunning run and finish. The former world player of the year took control of the ball on the right, before dribbling inside past a couple of players and firing the ball in off the post from 20 yards. The Maracana erupts.
That was a terrific World Cup moment in front of such a passionate crowd. Their hero had flattered to deceive for over an hour, but that goal was worth the wait. Will that kick-start Argentina's tournament?
That goal has definitely sparked some of Messi's teammates into life too. Angel Di Maria does well on the left to draw the foul out of his marker, but from the resulting free kick, Bosnia manages to scramble the ball clear.
Bosnia coach Safet Susic has made all three of his allotted substitutions in the space of about 10 minutes. Unfortunately for him, I don't think that they are going to alter the result of this game, but a consolation goal is still a possibility.
SHOT! Sergio Aguero has endured a difficult evening, but that was very nearly a classy end to the night. The striker controlled the ball expertly just inside the Bosnia half before running directly at the defence. However, despite creating space for himself, he could only drill his shot wide of the near post.
The pace of the match has dropped somewhat over the past few minutes, but Argentina still need to be careful about Bosnia forcing a way back into this match. However, Argentina look lightening on the break, and they almost force a third after a mesmeric run from Lionel Messi, but Bosnia manage to the clear the ball for a corner.
GOAL! Argentina 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Ibisevic)
Game on! Out of nowhere, Bosnia halve the deficit through substitute Vedad Ibisevic, who was played in behind the Argentina defence to force the ball past Sergio Romero from 12 yards, who got something on the ball but it wasn't enough to prevent it rolling over the line.
Argentina respond by throwing on Lucas Biglia in place of Sergio Aguero. Bosnia are understandably throwing men forward now, and Alejandro Sabella is keen shut up shop.
There will be three minutes of added-on time.
As you can imagine, Argentina are being "professional" about the way they approach the closing stages. They've definitely been rattled this evening, but it appears as though they will manage to grind out the three points.
FULL TIME: Argentina 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina
The full-time whistle goes at the Maracana and Argentina have got their World Cup campaign underway with a 2-1 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. It wasn't convincing by any means, but it's the three points that matter and Argentina can only improve on tonight's showing.
Lionel Messi's spectacular goal midway through the second half was enough to seal the win for his side, but credit must go to Bosnia, who certainly showed that they don't look out of place at this tournament. It's taken an unfortunate own goal and a stunning strike from a multiple world player of the year winner to see them off this evening.
That will be all from Sports Mole's coverage of this game. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. That also concludes our World Cup coverage for today, but please take the opportunity to check out the reaction to this game on the site, and catch up on the day's earlier matches. Goodbye for now.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
Netherlands
Senegal
Ecuador
Qatar
England
USA
Iran
Wales
Argentina
Poland
Mexico
Saudi Arabia
France
Australia
Tunisia
Denmark
Japan
Spain
Germany
Costa Rica
Morocco
Croatia
Belgium
Canada
Brazil
Switzerland
Cameroon
Serbia
Portugal
South Korea
Uruguay
Ghana
