After all the chaos of qualification, Diego Maradona’s Argentina arrive for their opening game in very good shape. The cancellation of a friendly with the United Arab Emirates has meant Argentina have not played since May 24, which produced a 5-0 rout of Canada in Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. Diego Milito may have injured his ankle in training but the Inter striker was unlikely to have featured in any case.

Nigeria look vulnerable, as any team who change managers just before a World Cup would do. Lars Lagerback’s first two matches in charge of the Super Eagles have been lacklustre affairs, a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia followed by a 3-1 win over North Korea marred by crowd trouble. His plans have not been helped by the loss of Jon Obi Mikel with injury, nor by his decision to drop Everton’s Victor Anichebe.

The Argentine press claims it already knows Maradona’s team which aside from the eyebrow-raising choice of Jonas Guttierez as a right wing-back looks pretty sensible. Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastian Veron will hold the midfield with the firepower provided by Higuain, Messi, Tevez and Di Maria. It will be too strong for Nigeria. Verdict: Argentina to win.