IRAN vs. NIGERIA
Date: June 16, 2014
Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: Arena da Baixada, Curitiba
Overall Head-to-Head Record (W-L-T): 1-0-0 Nigeria
Last Match: 1998 Friendly. Nigeria def. Iran 1-0.
Line: Nigeria +105
Group F Preview here.
Starting Lineups posted separately once they're announced.
Team Profiles
World Ranking: Iran (43rd), Nigeria (44th)
Managers: Carlos Queiroz (IRN), Stephen Keshi (NGA)
Captains: Javad Nekounam (IRN), Vincent Enyeama (NGA)
World Cup Appearances: 4 (IRN), 5 (NGA)
Best Finish: Iran (Group Stage, Last in 2006), Nigeria (Round of 16, Last in 1998)
Qualifying Records: Iran (10-2-4, GF: 30, GA: 7), Nigeria (5-0-3, GF: 11, GA: 4)
Pre-Tournament Game Results
Iran
May 26th - Iran tied Montenegro 0-0
May 30th - Iran tied Angola 1-1
June 8th - Iran def. Trinidad/Tobago 2-0
Nigeria
June 3rd - Nigeria tied Greece 0-0
June 7th - USA def. Nigeria 2-1
Rosters
Injuries/Discipline
Iran: N/A
Nigeria: N/A
Overview
Iran and Nigeria open against each other and bring an average World Ranking of 43rd/44th to the game. No other group stage match has a higher average ranking and there are only 4 teams in Brazil ranked lower overall then these two.
Despite this (and the group outlook for these teams), this figures to be a compelling contest. Both teams play a defensive style of football but unlike a Greece per se, are not afraid of pushing forward although they do so in different ways.
With size and athleticism up front, particularly in the middle of the field, Nigeria's attack can resemble a bull in a China shop at times. They will attack the centre of the field head-on and have multiple players that can launch booming shots on goal at a full run.
Iran on the other hand have their offensive strength on the wings and can use speed and quickness to get the ball upfield quickly and seek out crosses. Both teams have young strikers capable of scoring goals with great frequency (Emmanuel Emenike (NGA), Reza Ghoochannejhad (IRN)).
Nigeria are recognized as the more successful nation with their Cup history and consecutive appearances but it would be a mistake to overlook Iran in this contest. Not well known with a roster that plays predominantly in Iran, they are a defensive juggernaut in Asia and could stifle the Nigerian attackers.
Biggest question for Iran is they can handle this stage. Nigeria have been here before. Most of the Iranians haven't and Iran in particular are a team known to struggle away from home.
Personnel
In the Iranian Third: It's an experienced defensive Iranian backfield against a mostly young Nigerian offence. Nigeria struggled in qualifying and pre-tournament to score but should bring a higher class of players to the pitch then their counterparts. Advantage: Even.
In the Midfield:The biggest name in the game, John Obi Mikel will run point for Nigeria in the central midfield with Iran captain Javad Nekounam doing the same. Neither team is fantastic in the midfield and expect the game to feature a bevy of turnovers. I trust the experience of the Nigerians playing in major European leagues over that of Iran though. Advantage: Nigeria.
In the Nigerian Third: A lot of questions about the state of the Nigerian back line which has had trouble with injury and players forced to play out of position. Iran has speed and youth up front and an excellent goalscorer in Ghoochannejhad. Advantage: Iran.
Goalkeeping: Vincent Enyeama was excellent for Nigeria in 2010 and is the feature goalkeeper for Lille in France. You can count expected Iranian starter Daniel Davari's international caps on one hand. Advantage: Nigeria.
Iran will win if:
Defensively they need to slow Nigeria on the rush and force them to pass their way in to the penalty area. Nigeria can be deadly with their speed and power on the rush, but not overly threatening when teams are lined up behind the ball. Slow them down enough to get back in numbers and they'll be able to defend comfortably and still be able to counter-attack the wings.
Nigeria will win if:
They are able to pressure Iran through the midfield to create turnovers. Iran has difficulties moving the ball upfield at times through sustained movement, they prefer to go on runs or send long balls forward. If Nigeria sits back and allows Iran to freely advance play then they'll get burned in the back with their makeshift defensive line. Press high, force the ball out of Iranian possession and they'll be free to attack the goal at pace as they want to.
Prediction
Not a lot separating the teams to be honest. Tempted to give an advantage to Nigeria on experience but frankly I just haven't been very impressed with them in the buildup to the tournament. Of course I was hugely critical of Iran as well.
Key here is in this group, a draw is no good for either team. Both must win this game to have a shot of advancing. With both teams pressing for a win, I actually trust Iran's defence more then Nigeria's. Iran in a minor upset.
Iran 2-1 Nigeria
Not a lot separating the teams to be honest. Tempted to give an advantage to Nigeria on experience but frankly I just haven't been very impressed with them in the buildup to the tournament. Of course I was hugely critical of Iran as well.
Key here is in this group, a draw is no good for either team. Both must win this game to have a shot of advancing. With both teams pressing for a win, I actually trust Iran's defence more then Nigeria's. Iran in a minor upset.
Iran 2-1 Nigeria
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