World Cup Opta Stats: Shy Nigeria won't pester Bosnia

Nigeria have a disappointing World Cup scoring record

Bosnia are more likely to keep a clean sheet than Argentina in Group F, while Germany risk a slow start against Ghana...

Argentina v Iran
Saturday, 17:00
Live on ITV

Match Odds: Argentina 1.152/13, Iran 28.027/1, The Draw 9.89/1

Argentina have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three World Cup games

The Albiceleste's perceived shortage of top-quality defenders - the likes of Marcos Rojo, Ezequiel Garay and Federico Fernandez are widely deemed weaker than the starting options at the other frontrunners' disposal - has long been mentioned as a reason why they will miss out on the trophy.

A run of five clean sheets in a row pre-tournament hinted that the issue might be overhyped, but Argentina conceded in their opener with Bosnia and were vulnerable on other occasions. They didn't earn a single away shutout in qualifying, while Iran have scored in three of their last six World Cup fixtures.

Recommended Bet: Back Argentina not to keep a clean sheet @ 2.89/5

Germany v Ghana
Saturday, 20:00
Live on BBC One

Match Odds: Germany 1.321/3, Ghana 11.5n/a, The Draw 6.25/1

All seven of Germany's goals against Ghana have been scored from the 60th minute onwards

Germany were lethal from the off against Portugal in their first Group G tie, breaking the deadlock within 12 minutes and winning 3-0 by half-time, yet they were helped by their opponents presenting them with a penalty and then an extra man courtesy of Pepe's sending off.

Ghana won't be in the mood for such generous gift-giving, allowing adversaries only three first-half goals in 11 encounters in 2014, as well as holding Germany at the interval when the two nations met at World Cup 2010. The Portugal tie was the first in four that Joachim Low's men led on 45 minutes.

Recommended Bet: Back the half-time draw/full-time Germany win @ 4.77/2

Nigeria v Bosnia
Saturday, 23:00
Live on BBC One

Match Odds: Nigeria 4.67/2, Bosnia 1.9520/21, The Draw 3.65n/a

Nigeria's last World Cup goal from open play came in 2002 (Julius Aghahowa against Sweden)

Nigeria might have a point more than Bosnia heading into matchday two, but there is minimal evidence to suggest that they should be the more optimistic of the pair. Whereas Bosnia gave Argentina a fright, the Super Eagles were locked out by the supposed poorest team in Group F, Iran.

The African Cup of Nations holders haven't won a World Cup clash this century and the bolded trend indicates that their struggles scoring are the primary cause of that grim streak. The current squad don't appear fit to cure their attacking ailments either judging by their four blanks in seven outings.

Best Bet: Back Bosnia to keep a clean sheet @ 2.6813/8