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.
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
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
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!
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