Space Coast Daily Provides World Cup Day 4 Coverage
By SPACE COAST DAILY // June 15, 2014
On-Site Coverage of Argentina vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
ABOVE VIDEO: Space Coast Daily’s Keith Malone interviews a passionate fan of Argentina’s football team outside of Maracana Stadium. Argentina defeated Bosnia, 2-1.
RIO, BRAZIL — Black market ticket prices for the World Cup were sky high in Rio this Sunday evening – for the match Argentina v Bosnia at the showpiece Maracana Stadium.
Scalpers and touts were asking around 11 hundred dollars for tickets to see the game – taking advantage of the huge interest from Argentinian fans. Crowds of Argentinians were gathered outside the stadium talking to touts – but there were not many takers at those prices.
Rio has been alive with tens of thousands of their fans for the past four days – Brazil’s neighbours pouring over the border to support their nation.
Bosnian fans have also made their presence felt in the city’s bars – specially along the sea front on Copacabana Beach.
The game ended in defeat for the team from Eastern Europe – beaten 2-1 by the South Americans, who are many people’s favourites to lift the trophy itself back at the Maracana when the final is held there next month.
ABOVE VIDEO: Fans react to Argentina’s first goal vs. Bosnia.
ABOVE VIDEO: Keith Malone Previews Day 4 of the World Cup.
ABOVE VIDEO: Bosnia fans at the World Cup.
SWITZERLAND VS. ECUADOR: 12:00 PM, Group E
Switzerland is a young team led by 21-year-old Josip Drmic up top with Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka and Valentin Stocker behind him. Key veterans for the Swiss include Steve Von Bergen and Stephan Lichtsteiner. Many analysts believe Switzerland is talented enough to upset France in later play.
Ecuador is led by forward Felipe Caicedo, who was once considered to be one of the top socer prospects in the world. His explosive speed and power is complemented by a balanced midfield starring Antonio Valencia, Christian Noboa and Jefferson Montero.FRANCE VS HONDURAS: 3 PM, GROUP E
Led by forward Karim Benzema, France hopes to regain respect as a perennial power among international soccer’s elite teams. France benefited from new FIFA qualification rules that provided a path to the next round that many experts consider one of the easiest throughout the tournament. If the French are to advance, it will be thanks to solid performances from Benzema, as well as Olivier Giroud and Bayern Munich. France’s midfield is anchored by Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi, Pal Pogba and Moussa Sissko.
Honduras touts one of the most respected midfielders in Group E: Roger Espinoza.Other key players for Honduras include Wilson Palacios, Maynor Figueroa, Carlo Costly and Jerry Bengston.ABOVE VIDEO: Argentina fans sing and chant in Rio.
ARGENTINA VS.BOSNIA – HERZEGOVINA: 6:00 PM, Group F
One of the favorites to win the World Cup, Argentina will enjoy several advantages vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, including a friendly crowd that should create an atmosphere that’s nearly a home field. This tournament could prove to be the pivotal moment in superstar Lionel Messi’s career which may solidify his status among the all-time elite players. In addition to the world-known Messi, Argentina’s weapons include strikers Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero, along with midfielder Angel De Maria.
Players to watch on Bosnia include Edin Dzeko, Sejad Sallihovic and Vedad Ibesvic. For Bosnia to pull of a monumental upset vs. Argentina, these three players will need to deliver remarkable performances.
