Givemegoal - This is the first ever meeting  between the sides in a competitive match. Both the team will be eying for a victory if they are to advance to the next round. On paper, these are least favorites to go through with Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina in their group.

Iran played four friendly matches before coming to Brazil and went undefeated throughout the friendly series. They played two consecutive goal-less draw against Montenegro and Belarus. Their penultimate match against Angola ended in a 1-1 draw. They however succeeded in defeating Trinidad and Tobago by 2-0 before leaving for Brazil.

Nigeria had a dismal run of form in friendlies ahead of World Cup. They drew 2-2 to Scotland up first then were held for a goal less draw by fellow World Cup participants Greece. They lost their last friendly match against USA by 2-1.

Team News:
Iran are looking to pic up the points up first against Nigeria if they are to have any chance to go through. Pair of Montazeri and Hosseini will have to do much of the work if they are to keep Nigeria’s attack in bay. Skipper Javad Nekounam will be playing in center of midfield and will look to support in form Reza Ghoochanneijhad who has bagged 10 goals in just 14 international appearance.

Nigeria will be relying on their attacking strength to see through the Iran team who will be loking to defend rather than attack. John Obi Mikel and Onazi will stay back in midfield with trio of Moses, Odemwingie and Musa helping Emenike up front. Efe Embrose will play at right back with in form Enyeama on goal.

Probable Starting Lineup:
Iran:
Formation: 4 – 4 – 2

Davari: Heydari, Hosseini, Montazeri, Hajsafi: Dejagah, Nekounam, Trymourian, Jahanbakhsh: Ghoochanneijhad, Shojaei

Nigeria:
Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1

Enyeama: Elderson, Oboabona, Omeruo, Ambrose: Onazi, Mikel: Odemwingie, Musa, Moses: Emenike