Argentina vs Iran: World Cup 2014 match preview
A look ahead to Argentina’s clash against Iran at Belo Horizonte
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Your support makes all the difference.Argentina started on the right foot last week against Bosnia-Herzegovina but failed to convince as although they controlled possession, they just got two shots on target while their opponents got six.
Although the opposition of Iran is not considered as hard as the Bosnians, the Albiceleste will have to improve if they want to avoid any shockers.
Manager Alejandro Sabella realised that during the first half of their group opener and switched his formation from a 3-5-2 system to a 4-3-3 setup.
Changes are expected to take place at the starting line-up with defensive midfielder Fernando Gago and striker Gonzalo Higuain starting on the pitch.
Plenty of responsibility will fall on Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi who is feeling very confident thanks to his impressive goal following a drought of eight World Cup matches.
Iran’s morale is pretty high at the moment as the team managed to keep a clean sheet and gain one point against Nigeria.
Former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to retain the same line-up and formation as last week where much will be expected by the skills and experience of Ashkan Dejagah and Reza Ghoochannejhad.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5pm
PAST MEETING…
Iran 1 (Sadeghi) Argentina 1 (Bertoni), International Friendly, March 1977
STATS…
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has only scored two World Cup goals
The Albiceleste have won 10 and lost just one of their last 13 World Cup group stage matches. They have scored 26 and only conceded five goals in those fixtures.
Iran have only won once in ten World Cup matches. That took place in 1998 against USA who were beaten with a score of 2-1.
The Iranian Lions mustered their very first clean sheet at the World Cup last week.
ODDS…
Argentina to win: 1.7
Iran to win: 25.1
Draw: 9.1
TV: Live on ITV at 5pm
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