Sabella had a doubt over Napoli striker Higuain, who has been carrying an ankle injury for the past month, and Paris Saint-Germain's Ezequiel Lavezzi has been taking a leading stand-in role in training sessions.

Thousands of expectant Argentina fans have flooded Rio de Janeiro prior to the game, all confident that this time their side will lift the trophy for the third time.

"This is our first visit to Rio. The next one will be on July 13 for the final," said 35-year-old River Plate fan Fernando. "Coming to a beautiful city like Rio de Janeiro and being able to join Argentina in the Maracana in their first World Cup match is something special."

Bosnia are the only tournament debutants in Brazil and will become the 77th nation to take part in the sport's most prestigious competition.

While they lack major tournament knowhow, they impressed in European qualifying and with 30 goals they were the fourth-highest scorers in the UEFA zone behind Germany, the Netherlands and England.

Ever-presents in qualifying, Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic will spearhead Susic's attack at the tournament, where the Balkan nation will also come up against Iran and Nigeria.

Dzeko is expected to face Argentina despite missing a warm-up watch against Santos Under-21s and will be eager to replicate the season-ending form that saw him score nine goals in 11 matches as Manchester City pipped Liverpool to the Premier League title.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

Argentina (4-3-3)

Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo; Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi, Aguero, Lavezzi.

Bosnia (4-4-2)

Begovic; Mujdza, Bicakcic, Spahic, Kolasinac; Misimovic, Pjanic, Salihovic, Lulic; Dzeko, Ibivesic.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Argentina- Sergio Aguero

The Man City forward played some of the best football of his career last term and with all the focus on Lionel Messi he could be the one to catch fire in Brazil – especially if afforded a central role in Higuain’s absence.

Bosnia – Edin Dzeko

If Argentina have a weakness then it’s at the back and Dzeko will fancy his chances. He scored the goals to get his country to Brazil and arrives in top form after a great run for City while Aguero was out.

PREDICTION

Bosnia have some quality and a goal threat so it is plausible to see them scoring. But Argentina might just score more. 3-1, with two for Aguero.