Iran v Nigeria 1x2 betting and predictons

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
Iran v Nigeria 1x2 betting and predictons World Cup 2014, International	16/06/2014 21:00	other	Nigeria	2.25	Bet at B
Betting prediction was written by Dan Adair

IRAN v NIGERIA: QUALIFICATION

Iran got through to the finals with a long winded qualification. They entered Asian qualifiers at 2^nd round and beat Maldives over two legs 5-0. They topped 3^rd round group stage with unbeaten run of 6 games, beating Qatar and Bahrain. Then in final table they performed brilliant to top that section. Beating the likes of South Korea and Uzebekistan. Nigeria topped their group in round 2, heading a few lesser nations in Malawi and Kenya. They then won a two legged playoff with Ethiopa to make the finals. In qualifying they had the easiest run of any side at the competition I would say.

Goalkeepers: 22.Daniel Davari (Eintracht Braunschweig), 12.Alireza Haghighi (Sporting Covilha, on loan from Rubin Kazan), 1.Rahman Ahmadi (Sepahan).

Defenders: 2.Khosro Heidari (Esteghlal), 13.Hossein Mahini (Persepolis), 20.Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps), 15.Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal), 4.Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), 5.Amir Sadeghi (Esteghlal), 17.Ahmad Alenemeh (Naft), 19.Hashem Beikzadeh (Esteghlal), 3.Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan), 23.Mehrdad Pooladi (Persepolis).

Midfielders: 6.Javad Nekounam *C* (Al Kuwait), 14.Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), 8.Reza Haghighi (Persepolis), 11.Ghasem Hadadifar (Zob Ahan), 18.Bakhtiyar Rahmani (Foolad), 9.Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC Nijmegen), 21.Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham).

Forwards: 7.Masoud Shojaei (Las Palmas), 16.Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton), 10.Karim Ansarifard (Persepolis, on loan at Tractor Sazi).

Iran’s game is based on solid defence but they are lightweight in midfield and attack. Playing just one out and out forward spells trouble for me and they will need to attack to at least give themselves a chance. Iran have played a few matches this year but have mixed results. They rely a lot on the attacker Ghoochannejad but his supply line is limited.

THE NIGERIA SQUAD

Coach: Stephen Keshi

Goalkeepers: 1.Vincent Enyeama *C* (Lille), 16.Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva), 21.Chigozie Agbim (Gombe United).

Defenders: 3.Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers), 5.Efe Ambrose (Celtic), 14.Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor), 6.Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), 22.Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough), 13.Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), 2.Joseph Yobo (Norwich, on loan from Fenerbahce), 12.Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars).

Midfielders: 10.John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), 15.Ramon Azeez (Almeria), 17.Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), 4.Reuben Gabriel (Waasland-Beveren), 18.Michael Babatunde (Volyn Lutsk).

Forwards: 7.Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), 23.Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), 9.Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce), 20.Michael Uchebo (Cercle Brugge), 8.Peter Odemwingie (Stoke), 11.Victor Moses (Liverpool, on loan from Chelsea), 19.Uche Nwofor (Heerenveen).

A generally young and inexperienced side here who could be anything in this tournament. Current African Champions but bombed in the Confed cup and were very poor indeed. Fast, attacking intent and not afraid to put the boot in either.

WARM UP GAMES

Iran had a problem with economic sanctions over the last 18 months so the levels of decent opposition has been low. They have played a lot though since May with 5 friendly games. Coach Carlos Quiroz requested an early end to Iran Premier League so he could organize his assult on World Cup and the league bosses agreed. Have a win over Trinidad plus draws with Montenegro, Belarus and Angola to go with a loss to Guinea. Just 3 goals conceded in those five games emphasizes their defensive solitude. Nigeria have not won any of their three warm up games amid a few worried weeks. A draw with Scotland in London was marred by whispers of match fixing. Next game saw a 2-1 loss to USA which was fully deserved as America were superior in most areas. This sandwiched an uneventful 0-0 draw with Greece which lacked any real creativity or action of note.

MATCH ANALYSIS

Tough game this for both sides as they both theoretically need to go for the win. Argentina should take the group with 3 wins from 3 so 2^nd place is up for grabs. I think this will very tight indeed as Iran look very solid with the two banks of defenders. They will not overcommit either so its up to Nigeria to try and break them down. Nigeria have the pace and ability to break them down but I don’t see many goals at all. A low scoring game for sure here and 1 goal maximum for me.

BETTING TIPS 1X2

Iran will be glad to be here and for me they will not get out of the group. I see them battling well and giving the country something to cheer. They are a solid side and do not concede many. In Quiroz too they have a very good manager indeed. They just lack attacking quality and will do well to register a goal. I take Nigeria to shade this with a 1 goal win.

Back Nigeria to win at 2.25 (5/4) with Bet365.