Argentina will face Iran in the second round of group matches in Group F at the FIFA World Cup 2014. The match will be played at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte on Saturday, June 21.
Argentina lead Group F currently with 3 points after having won their opener 2-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina while Iran are placed second in the group following a nil all draw against Nigeria.
The Argentinians were able to grind out a result thanks to a moment of brilliance in the second half from the little genius, Lionel Messi.
The man who currently carries the burden of an entire nation rounded off a move that he had initiated with a precise shot from outside the area after cutting in from the right. The Barcelona star combined superbly with striker Gonzalo Higuain, a second half substitute, to score what was a peach of a goal for Argentina.
Messi looked disinterested until the goal came. However, he came into his own and played some excellent football for the rest of the second half. Argentina led through an own goal and were able to seal a result against a very strong Bosnia and Herzegovina team which played their first ever match in the world cup finals.
On the evidence of their win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Argentines will be fairly confident ahead of their meeting with Iran, who do not appear to be a big threat for the South American team, at least on paper. With a team that boasts the likes of Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, and Angel di Maria besides Messi, scoring goals should not be a problem.
Marcos Rojo did a fine job in the midfield beside Javier Mascherano while Fernando Gago was a livewire after coming on in the second half. Enzo Perez might get a game against Iran as well as Alejandro Sabella ponders playing with different tactics against the team from the Middle East.
Iran have had a decent beginning to the World Cup. Even though it is highly unlikely for this team to qualify for the next round from a group that has Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina in it, stranger things have happened in international football.
Iran have a good coach in former Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, who has been in international management for a good while now.
Although the Iranians do not have many players who play in Europe, their performance against Nigeria showed that they could play as a team. Provided that they defend well and take their chances against Argentina, Iran could cause an upset seeing that Argentina’s defence is not the strongest there is.