Nigeria vs. Iran, 2014 World Cup: It was a boring 0-0 draw

A game between two of the most defensive teams in the tournament didn’t result in a high-scoring classic and probably the worst game of the tournament so far. Who could’ve suspected it?

The Newcastle forward soon had one of the best chances of the game, too, as he rose highest in the box to plant a header goalward after a good cross from Ahmed Musa, but despite being well positioned his effort spun off-target. Nigeria was doing most of the attacking as the game wore on, but Iran’s impressive defending was keeping them at bay with relative ease, and combined with a lack of patience and quality in attack for both sides, produced a pretty poor spectacle in what has so far been a thrilling World Cup.

THIS GAME IS AWFUL

If you wanna get close to me do the hover hand, tell your brothers whatever honey, I’ll understand.

Is it too hot to dance?

Nigeria will be heavy favourites against an untested Iran side, but with many of their opponents playing their club football in Iran, there is something of the unknown about their opponents who could spring a few surprises.

iran meanwhile hand a start to goalkeeper Alireza Haghihi, with Reza Ghoochannejad leading the line up front. Veteran Javad Nekounam captains the side in midfield.

However, rather more of a concern is how much Iran have to offer going forward. Winger Ashkan Dejagah will be a constant outlet out wide, and striker Reza Ghochannejhad was in some excellent form in qualifying. But should Nigeria manage to keep that duo quiet, then they probably won’t have a great deal to do defensively -- other than avoiding getting complacent.

Nigeria certainly have the firepower to cause Iran damage, with Victor Moses, and Ahmed Musa likely to be given the task of attacking Iran down the flanks. Look for John Obi Mikel to play a little more ambitiously than he does for Chelsea, too, safe in the knowledge that he has the talented defensive midfielder Ogenyi Onazi behind him to hold the fort. Peter Odemwingie and Emmanuel Emenike are expected to start up top.