Iran and Nigeria played to a goalless draw on Monday in the ongoing
FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil, coincidentally the first of the tournament.
Though the Nigerian dominated possession and dictated most
of the play, their lack of incisive pass and finish upfront cost them the full
three points against a disciplined Iran side managed by ex-Manchester United
Assistant coach Carlos Queiroz.
Fielding an attacking formation which sees the duo of Victor
Moses and Ahmed Musa playing on either side of power playing Emmanuel Emeneke,
with Mikel and Onazi playing behind them
in midfield with support from Ramon Azeez.
The Iranians packed their defence as expected limiting the
Super Eagles to a couple of half chances as they result to long balls.
The Super Eagles had the ball in the back of the net after
seven minutes in a goalmouth scramble from a corner but the referee, Carlos
Vera, ruled it out for a push by Mikel Obi on goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi.
Two minutes later, Ogenyi Onazi drilled a shot wide before
Musa's clever free-kick from 30 yards was superbly saved by Haghighi just
inside his right-hand post,
Iran came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 33rd
minute when goalkeeper captain Vincent Enyeama produced a fine save to beat out
Reza Ghoochannejhad's header from their first corner of the game.
Godfrey Oboabona made an early exit from the game on the
half hour after receiving treatment on the touchline following a heavy tackle
and was replaced by returning Captain Joseph Yobo.
The Second half was not different from the first, Shola
Ameobi replaced Victor Moses within seven minutes of the restart and the former
Newcastle man went close with headers on two occasions, while Peter Odemwingie
added fresh bite to the team when he came off the bench for Ramon Azeez;
running at players as he tries to initiate attack for the current African
Champion.
Osazie came close as he met a wonderful chip pass from Mikel
with his shoulder before firing a fierce left footed shot at goal but the play
was called back for a foul.
The final whistle was greeted with a chorus of boos from
supporters at the stadium
The draw means Nigeria and Iran sit joint second behind
group leader, Argentina who defeated Bosnia 2-1 and will hope to better their
fortunes when they play Bosnia and Argentina respectively in their second round
of matches of the group
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