Iran v Nigeria Preview: Underdogs to scrap it out for crucial Group F win

Iran-Vs-Nigeria
Iran-Vs-Nigeria

Iran take on Nigeria in the second Group F match in the Arena da Baixada, Curitiba, with both sides looking to take advantage of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s loss to Argentina on Sunday.

Iran-Vs-Nigeria

Leo Messi’s second half strike saw off World Cup debutants Bosnia, presenting an opportunity for either Iran or Nigeria to move into second place, with a full three points for either side here pivotal if they are to have any chance of reaching the last 16.

Iran Team News:

Possible XI (4-4-2) – Davari, Heydari, Hosseini, Montazeri, Hajsafi: Dejagah, Nekounam, Trymourian, Jahanbakhsh: Ghoochanneijhad, Shojaei

Brazil Soccer WCup Iran Nigeria-1

Carlos Queiroz has no new injury concerns ahead of this fixture, with the World Cup underdogs at pretty much full strength going into their first match.

Reza Ghoochannejhad of Charlton will be looked for to provide the goals, with Fulham’s Ashkan Dejagah a threat on the flanks.

Nigeria Team News:

Possible XI (4-2-3-1) – Enyeama, Elderson, Oboabona, Omeruo, Ambrose: Onazi, Mikel: Odemwingie, Musa, Moses: Emenike

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Like Iran, Nigeria have no new injury concerns, with Elderson Echiejile the only absentee, with the defender out of the tournament having torn his hamstring against Greece last month.

Chelsea duo Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel are the main men for the Africans, with Peter Odemwingie on the flank a potentially useful wildcard.

Soccerlens prediction: Iran 1-1 Nigeria

A close fought encounter, and perhaps finally the first draw of the 2014 World Cup!

Key World Cup links:

Iran World Cup 2014 Team Page
Nigeria World Cup 2014 Team Page
World Cup 2014 Matches – Fixtures & Results
World Cup 2014 Player & Team Stats
World Cup 2014 Group Tables
Watch live World Cup matches online.
Our main World Cup 2014 news page.
The Official Soccerlens World Cup Predictor Game.

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