Group F action at the World Cup in Brazil kicks off on Monday with Iran and Nigeria, two teams that are out to keep up in the group. Nigeria is in the running to qualify for the next round as they compete with Bosnia-Herzegovina, while Argentina should get through easily. But Nigeria had better not overlook Iran, who are looking to relish in their underdog role.
World Cup Odds: Nigeria +120, Iran +280, Draw +210
Why Iran Can Win
Iran has a manager in Carlos Queiroz who has worked at Manchester United and Real Madrid, and he was the man in charge for the Portuguese national team, so he is used to high-pressure situations. He is a solid tactical coach who knows he doesn’t have a lot of talent to work with, so he will set out to defend, defend and defend some more and hit Nigeria on the counterattack with Reza Ghoochannejhad up front. Queiroz also has a ton of experience at the back end of his team with captain Javad Nekounam marshalling the midfield, and Jalal Hosseini in defense. These two have combined for 225 appearances for their country and that experience comes in handy at tournaments such as this.
Why Nigeria Can Win
Nigeria has more talent than their opponents, at least in this matchup, and while the program has suffered some off-field problems in the past, they should be fine by now. Emmanuel Emenike can score goals up front, while Victor Moses is a talented 23-year-old who can attack from midfield and he could be looking at this tournament as his chance to shine. The key here could be Jon Obi Mikel, who usually plays a defensive role in midfield with Chelsea, but he can get forward more with Nigeria and he has proven that he can do it when asked. The defense can be shaky at times and the injury to Uwa Echiejile doesn’t help, but Vincent Enyeama is a very good keeper with a lot of experience. Nigeria should be motivated after failing to win a game in each of their last two trips to the World Cup and a spot in the next round is there for the taking, but they have to get off to a good start against Iran.
Outlook
These two countries have met once in the past as Nigeria beat Iran 1-0 in a friendly in 1998 ahead of the World Cup later that year, and it should be no surprise that Nigeria is favored here in this matchup. The Super Eagles should have enough to win this game, but it isn’t going to be easy and they have to be wary of Iran on the counter because of their issues defensively. Still, it is tough to see Iran being able to generate any chances offensively, or being able to put them away if they get any. Nigeria should pick up the three points in what will be an intriguing match to watch.
Pick: Nigeria
