Iran and Nigeria are two teams who are not expected to pull up any trees in this summer's tournament, but they'll be looking to prove the doubters wrong tonight. Here is all the information you need for the first game in Group F between Iran and Nigeria.
Managers: Carlos Queiroz (Portugal) and Stephen Keshi (Nigeria)
Key clash: Reza Ghoochannejhad v Joseph Yobo
Charlton’s Ghoochannej had is the key to Iran’s counterattacking play and Nigerian captain Yobo will be keen to keep him under lock and key as he is likely to be troubled by the youngsters pace. Iran will work hard in defence and then hope Ghoochannejhad can make the breakthrough.
One to watch: Kenneth Omeruo (Nigeria)
Chelsea youngster Omeruo spent time on loan at Middlesbrough last season but has recently been a key man in Nigeria’s defence despite his youthfulness. The 20-year-old starred as Nigeria won the African Cup of Nations and will be looking to put himself on the map ahead of another likely loan move this summer.
Interesting facts
- Iran have won only one of their nine games at the World Cup, against USA in 1998 (2-1).
- Carlos Queiroz’s side have never kept a clean sheet in a World Cup game.
- Nigeria are winless in their last eight World Cup games (D2 L6). It’s the longest current drought among the 32 teams taking part in 2014.
- The one previous meeting between Iran and Nigeria came in a friendly in 1998; the Super Eagles won 1-0.
- No team scored more goals than Iran in the 2014 Asian World Cup qualifiers (30).
- Nigeria’s three goals at the 2010 World Cup all came from set piece situations (one penalty, one direct free kick and one from a throw-in).
- Over half (11/21) of the goals that Nigeria have conceded at World Cups have come from set plays, however (three corners, two direct free kicks, four indirect free kicks and two penalties).
- No goalkeeper kept more clean sheets in the top five European leagues in 2013/14 than Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama (21, for Lille).
- It is 3 days less 16 years without a win for Nigeria at the World Cup. Last victory was on the 19th June 1998.
- No member of the Nigeria’s squad has ever score in a World Cup; Yobo made an assist in 2002.
Iran: Davari; Beitashour, Hosseini, Sadeghi, Pooladi; Nekounam, Teymourian; Haddadifa, Shojaei, Dejagah; Ghoochannejhad.
Nigeria: Enyeama; Ambrose, Oboabona, Omerou, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi, Azeez, Moses; Odemwingie, Emenike.
Culled from Naij.com
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