World Cup Opta Stats: Argentina to be subdued again

Gonzalo Higuain is yet to get off the mark at this World Cup

Opta's insights on the final Group F ties point to a low score in Nigeria v Argentina and Bosnia failing to beat Iran...

Nigeria v Argentina
Wednesday, 17:00
Live on ITV

Match Odds: Nigeria 9.617/2, Argentina 1.548/15, The Draw 4.03/1

Argentina have mustered just eight goals in six matches with Nigeria, an average of 1.3 per game

Though it obviously wouldn't have gained Ofsted approval, there was a school of pre-tournament thought that Group F would be the highest scoring as Argentina obliterated Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria. Instead, they enter the final leg of that venture stuck on three goals, with the group as a whole producing seven strikes less than any other. As the Super Eagles have gone 221 World Cup minutes without conceding, the trend of low-scoring Nigeria v Argentina fare should continue.

Best Bet: Back under 2.5 goals @ 2.021/1

Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in his last seven appearances for Argentina

You wait eight games for a Messi World Cup goal and then two breathtaking match-winning net-rippling nuggets arrive in successive appearances, and he should extend his sudden sprightly streak against Nigeria. His best performance of the last World Cup came against the African Cup of Nations champions, only for him to be denied by a heroic Vincent Enyeama display. Today, he takes revenge.

Recommended Bet: Back Messi to score @ 2.0811/10

Bosnia v Iran
Wednesday, 17:00
Live on ITV4

Match Odds: Bosnia 2.0811/10, Iran 3.814/5, The Draw 3.814/5

Bosnia have never beaten Iran (D1 L4)

Bosnia expectations were higher heading into the competition, but their favourite status for this contest is surprising on two levels: firstly because Iran have been more impressive to date and also because the Europeans have far less at stake having already been eliminated. Oddly, these sides have met five times already this century, with Iran winning the last four and scoring 14 in doing so.

Recommended Bet: Lay Bosnia to win @ 2.111/10

Eleven of the last 12 goals Iran have conceded at the World Cup have come in the second half

Carlos Queiroz has Iran drilled to allow their opponents very restricted views of their goal in the first half, with the result being that they have conceded just once before the break in their previous six encounters. Perhaps they focus too much on silencing their adversaries though as they have only converted one first-half effort of their own in that period.

Recommended Bet: Back the second half to have the most goals @ 2.1411/10