Monday, June 16, 2014 Iran v Nigeria Arena da Baixada, Curitiba Kick-off : 8pm Iran and Nigeria have something in common ahead of their Worl...
Monday, June 16, 2014
Iran v Nigeria
Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
Kick-off : 8pm
Iran and Nigeria have something in common ahead of their World Cup clash in Curituiba. When they meet Monday at the Arena da Baixada, both teams will be bidding to win their first match in the World Cup finals since France 1998.
With Argentina the clear favorite in Group F, Iran and Nigeria are expected to compete with tournament newcomer Bosnia- Herzegovina for second spot.
Though Nigeria is often considered a powerhouse of African football, the Super Eagles have not won a game at the World Cup finals since defeating Bulgaria in a group match 16 years ago.
Since then, Nigeria has endured two fairly dismal World Cup campaigns, including in South Africa in 2010, notching up a point
Team News
Germany-based Iranian Daniel Davari can expect to get the nod in goal over veteran Rahman Ahmadi.
He faces a busy afternoon against the likes of Premier League stars John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Peter Odemwingie.
At the other end, Nigeria can call on the formidable Vincent Enyeama, who denied Lionel Messi with impressive saves in the 2010 finals in South Africa.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, with captain Javad Nekounam the midfield fulcrum to allow Charlton’s Reza 'Gucci' Ghoochannejhad and Fulham winger Ashkan Dejagah to counter-attack.
Match Notes
Iran are the top-ranked side in Asia with an impressive defensive record and a manager with plenty of tactical acumen in former Manchester United assistant and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz.
Neither side has enjoyed much World Cup success. After beating Bulgaria 1-0 in their second group game in 1998, the Nigerians have had two draws and six defeats.
And Iran’s 2-1 victory over the United States in Lyon 16 years ago was their sole win at a World Cup. Stat of the game: Iran have scored just six goals in nine World Cup ties, conceding 18.
Iran (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Davari; Beitashour, Hosseini, Sadeghi, Pooladi; Nekounam, Teymourian; Haddadifa, Shojaei, Dejagah; Ghoochannejhad.
Nigeria (Possible, 4-4-2): Enyeama; Ambrose, Oboabona, Omeruo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi, Azeez, Moses; Odemwingie, Emenike.
Referee: Carlos Vera (Ecuador).
Princewill's prediction: Iran 0 Nigeria 2
