Photo: Messi scores against Bosnia in Argentina’s 2-1 win (Getty Images)
South American giants and two time World Champions Argentina can take charge of Group F when they take on minnows Iran. The Irinians have shown that they are no push-overs as they eeked out a scoreless draw with reigning African Champions Nigeria in their opening fixture.
This World Cup has seen some upsets with the so-called small nations getting some big results against some of the powerhouses in world football. The gap is slowly narrowing in football so the Argentines must approach this fixture with great concentration and the determination from the first whistle to get a positive result.
La Albiceleste carved out a work-man-like 2-1 win over a very dangerous Bosnia team and they looked solid in defense but not free-flowing in attack. Alejandro Sabella will likely call upon stopper Sergio Romero with Ezequiel Garay and Pablo Zabaleta key figures at the back.
Javier Mascherano should take charge in midfield with the attack being lead by talisman Lionel Messi along with Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero. Sabella started with a 5-3-2 formation in the first game but is expected to use a more attacking 4-3-3 set-up, after that formation bore fruit in the first game.
Carlos Queiroz will rely upon Alireza Haghighi is goal while Jalal Hosseini and Pejman Montazeri marshalling the defense. Skipper Javad Nekounam and Ashkan Dejagah should feature in midfield with the attacking threat being lead by the dangerous Reza Ghoochannejhad.
The South American are expected to come away with all three points but they must go out and show that they deserve the points. The Iranians finished ahead of the much fancied South Koreans during qualifications so they do have some resilience about them and a few players with some quality. La Albiceleste should have too much class for theie opponents, especially in attack and should leave with all three points, taking charge of Group F.
Players to Watch:
Argentina: Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero
Iran: Javad Nekounam, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Ashkan Dejagah
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