World Cup 2014 end-of-day report: Messi and Argentina do enough to beat Bosnia

Matchwinner: Messi magic proved the difference

Adam Shearwood looks at another remarkable day of World Cup 2014 action, and considers the effects Messi, Benzema and Haris Seferovi had on the Betfair markets.

It wasn't the most convincing of performances from many people's favourites - now 5.24/1 for 2014 Winner from 5.59/2 pre-tournament - but Argentina showed in patches why they are as good as anyone.

Their star, Lionel Messi, showed in one moment why he's better than anyone.

A fortuitous early goal might have settled Argentina down - the unfortunate Sead Kolainac diverting Messi's second minute cross into his own net - however, it was Bosnia who looked more likely scorers for much of the first half.

It may be the mark of a good manager that he will admit poor decisions and do something about it. Argentine supremo, Alejandro Sabella, effectively conceded he'd gotten his initial team tactics wrong with the introductions of Fernando Gago and Gonzalo Higuain during a half time reshuffle. The subs made the world of difference to Argentina who belatedly began to play with purpose and swagger.

Messi was unshackled, finally, and in one moment of goal-conjuring brilliance showed why his form alone could decide this World Cup. It was a magical goal, albeit with the final shot aided by a slight deflection. It keeps Messi in the hunt for the Golden Boot - he remains 8.415/2 second favourite behind Neymar.

Argentina were surprisingly naive in defending their advantage, which may be of concern to backers, but held on for the win that makes them just 1.091/11 to top Group F and on-track to avoid France in the Last 16.

Earlier, the French overcame a Honduras side who'd turned up for a Royal Rumble rather than a World Cup. France, in Karim Benzema, possess an in-form striker which is something they've missed for years. They're 1.528/15 to top Group E and with an apparently favourable draw, are emerging as many people's dark horses to go far - they're now 19.018/1 from 23.022/1 for 2014 Winner. Benzema's two goals moved him to 9.417/2 from 23.022/1 for Golden Boot.

In the first match of the day, Haris Seferovi converted with the last kick of the game to give Switzerland a remarkable 2-1 victory over Ecuador and a great chance of qualifying from Group E - now 1.152/13 to do so. They had been matched at 100.099/1 In-Play to beat Ecuador, before the dramatic finale.