Argentina struggled against the crafty Bosnia-Herzegovina, but managed to pull it out in the end. Now, Group F’s team-to-beat is set up with what could be a comfortable second match against the group’s fiesty minnows, Iran.
Can the Iranians pull off another key draw against Lionel Messi and the tournament favorites? Creative offense will meet stern defense in the match when Argentina’s top strikers try to crumble Iran’s wall of defenders, while in the other Group F match up Nigeria takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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Argentina vs. Iran, World Cup 2014, Group Stage Betting Preview and Prediction
Lionel Messi had not scored a goal in the World Cup since the second group stage match of Germany 2006. This year, he made sure to make his visit to Brazil memorable by scoring his second career World Cup goal with his first shot on target.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Still, not everything was perfect in Argentina’s opening game. Argentina struggled when manager Alejandro Sabella decided to go for a more conservative approach in the first half against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Sabella reverted the Argentinans back to their fruitful 4-3-3 formation midway through the game, and it was much more successful, as the four-pronged attack of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria, and Gonzalo Higuain brought pressure from all angles. The formation also allows for a constant supply of passing from midfielder Fernando Gago.
Although the formation opens up their devastating attack, it also leaves space in between the defense and the offensive front for exploitation. Nevertheless, Argentina won’t be facing a team with great offensive capabilities in Iran. Keeping the attacking position will have the Argentinians constantly threatening Iran’s defense without having to worry about swift counter-attacks.
If, on the rare occasion, that Iran threatens with shots from its strikers, Argentina’s goalkeeper Sergio Ramos is equipped to handle the pressure. Against Bosnia’s gifted attackers, Ramos was able to amass 10 saves while only conceding one goal.
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Betting on Iran
After 10 matches, Iran finally has its first clean sheet at the World Cup. They managed this feat by remaining strong and disciplined throughout their opening match against Nigeria.
Iran’s debut was mostly an uneventful affair as they took up a defensive shell throughout the game. Iran’s right-back Pejhman Montazeri struggled against the opposition, while goalkeeper Alizera Haghighi looked uncomfortable against the pressure put on by the Nigerian strikers, despite recording six saves.
Defense is Iran’s best bet to remain in contention. After all, they only conceded two goals in their entire qualifying campaign. However, being on the defensive side will only work to the advantage of the brash Argentinian strikers who will pour on the pressure.
Only keeping possession of the ball 37% of the match may have worked against Nigeria, but won’t likely be as effective against Argentina. If Iran allows the South Americans that much possession it’s hard to imagine Messi and company won’t find the net.
Offensively, Iran doesn’t bring much to the table. They had seven total shots against Nigeria, and only three of those were on target. The closest of the shots was Reza Ghoochannejhad’s close-range header late in the game. Ghoochannejhad will need much better attempts if he plans to get past Argentina’s Ramos.
Writer’s Prediction
Argentina solidifies its position atop Group F with a win against Iran. With Iran’s defense struggling, expect Messi to show top form. Take the total to go over 3.0 as Argentina has their way offensively.
