[toggle title=”Match preview Daily Telegraph” state=”open” ]

Betting: Iran 13-5, Nigeria 6-5, Draw 2-1.

Team News Germany-based Iranian Daniel Davari can expect to get the nod in goal over veteran Rahman Ahmadi. He faces a busy afternoon against the likes of Premier League stars John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Peter Odemwingie. At the other end, Nigeria can call on the formidable Vincent Enyeama, who denied Lionel Messi with impressive saves in the 2010 finals in South Africa. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, with captain Javad Nekounam the midfield fulcrum to allow Charlton’s Reza ‘Gucci’ Ghoochannejhad and Fulham winger Ashkan Dejagah to counter-attack.

Match Notes Iran are the top-ranked side in Asia with an impressive defensive record and a manager with plenty of tactical acumen in former Manchester United assistant and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz. Neither side has enjoyed much World Cup success. After beating Bulgaria 1-0 in their second group game in 1998, the Nigerians have had two draws and six defeats. And Iran’s 2-1 victory over the United States in Lyon 16 years ago was their sole win at a World Cup.

Stat of the game: Iran have scored just six goals in nine World Cup ties, conceding 18.

John Ley’s prediction: Iran 0 Nigeria 2.[/toggle]

[toggle title=”AFP report” state=”open” ] Curitiba (Brazil) (AFP) – Iran coach Carlos Queiroz backed his World Cup team to overcome financial strife as well as crippling sanctions and prove the country is not an international bogey man.

Iran begin their campaign on Monday against Nigeria in a Group F which also includes mighty Argentina and debutants Bosnia-Hercegovina.

But they have already faced challenges on the road to Brazil, notably Queiroz’s battle to get the country’s cash-strapped authorities to finance training camps in South Africa and Austria.

“Iran has faced difficulties off the pitch but we want to make our point on the pitch,” said the 61-year-old Portuguese coach who has been at the helm since 2011 and cut his teeth as Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man at Manchester United.

“The economic and political situation is a complete disadvantage for the team but the players are very determined. They succeeded in qualifying for the finals and they will want to walk away from Brazil with respect and pride.

“We also want people to have an understanding of Iran and we want to bring joy to the Iran fans.”

Triple Asian champions Iran are taking part in their fourth World Cup finals after 1978, 1998 and 2006 but have never got out of the group stage.

Queiroz expects a tough opener against African champions Nigeria.

“Their national team is made up of many stars, big players and they have a big advantage in terms of experience,” he said.

“It’s a very difficult match for us but we can draw on the spirit in the squad. They are favourites but nobody is strong enough to win every match and nobody is weak enough to lose them all.”

“This is my squad. Iran play for passion, it’s amazing to have this loyalty and affection.” [/toggle]

 

[toggle title=”Goalkeeping Mystery” state=”open” ] During the press conference, a foreign reporter asked Queiroz who is going to be the No 1 goalkeeper for Iran ? Queiroz avoided giving a straight answer and cleverly dodging the question. All the three goalkeepers have been used in the friendly test games however, with the latest changes in the line up , Queiroz left the fans and critics in a state of bewilderment on the identity of the main goalkeeper.

A current poll in TeamMelli.com , more than half the voters believe that Rahman Ahmadi , who is the most experienced and the eldest keeper will be in the goal against Nigeria. [/toggle]

 

[toggle title=”Perfect weather in Curtiba” state=”open” ]the weather conditions during the match is ideal and set for the beginning of the game at a temperature of 23 º C mostly with sunny periods and scattered clouds, There is rain forecast towards the end of the night when the game should have be over. The recommendation is for meteorologists that fans do not forget to bring a jacket because the temperature is expected to drop later in the day.[/toggle]

[toggle title=”Match referee” state=”open” ]The world football governing body, FIFA, has announced that Carlos Vera, a referee from Ecuador, will officiate the Super Eagles opening World Cup campaign against Iran on Monday. Vera will have the opportunity of handling a match involving the reigning African champions just nine days before his 38th birthday. According to FIFA records, Vera has been overseeing international matches since 2007 and has officiated at several CONMEBOL competitions, including the Copa America 2011 and the Copa Libertadores since 2008, as well as at the FIFA Club World Cup in 2012. [/toggle]