Argentina

The South American powerhouse seemed like an unstoppable team four years ago in South Africa but ultimately flattered to deceive. However, they are a more rounded outfit this time around and should be considered contenders.

Appearances: 15 (first in 1930)

Wins: Two (1978, 1986)

Road to Rio: Finished first CONMEBOL qualifying (Brazil won a bye)

Key Players: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid)

Coach: Alejandro Sabella

Strengths: Argentina possesses arguably the most potent attack in the tournament with all their forwards proving prolific in European leagues this season. Goals should be in large high supply

Weaknesses: Just like four years ago, defence remains the Albiceleste’s biggest weakness. They have improved on the area but lack the required defensive compensation for their attacking football.

Expected finish: Anything less than Quarter-finals would be a disappointment.

Bosnia-Herzegovina

It is their first time attending the World Cup finals as an independent nation but have the required firepower to make a fist of things at this year’s tournament.

Appearance: This is their first

Wins: None

Road to Rio: The Bosnians qualified as winners of UEFA Group G

Key Players: Edin Dzeko (Manchester City), Asmir Begovic (Stoke City), Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma)

Coach: Safet Susic

Strengths: Bosnia-Herzegovina is another team gifted in attack but the engine room of midfield is their strength, where some gifted playmakers are expected to weave magic.

Weaknesses: Their defence will be suspect in a group full of goals as they seem to lack the required depth at the back.

Expected finish: Round-of-16

Iran

Easily the weakest team in the group, Iran will be seeking to punch above their weight having already done so in qualifying. The middle-eastern team will be just happy with qualification though.

Appearances: Four (First in 1978)

Wins: None

Road to Rio: Won AFC Group A

Key Players: Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Standard Liege), Sardar Azmoun (Rubin Kazan)

Coach: Carlos Queiroz

Strengths: Pace down the flanks from players like Dejagah can do harm to the opposition’s defence.

Weaknesses: Lack of the required experience at the highest level

Expected finish: Group stage exit

Nigeria

Arguably at the top of their game, the African champions will fancy their chances in this group but will still find it tough to advance from the group stage for the third time.

Appearances: Five (First in 1994)

Wins: None

Road to Rio: Won CAF Group F then defeated Ethiopia in playoffs

Key Players: Vincent Enyeama (Lille), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea FC), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow)

Coach: Stephan Keshi

Strengths: Attack. Attack. Attack. This should be Nigeria’s play in Brazil. They possess the pace, power and skill in attack to unlock defences.

Weaknesses: Outside of the experienced Joseph Yobo, solid defensive “know-how” is absent in the squad.