Argentina vs. Iran
2014 FIFA World Cup
June 21 | Noon ET | Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
TV: ESPN, Univision, CBC in Canada
In what may be one of the most lopsided matchups of the World Cup, Argentina will face Iran on Saturday afternoon in Belo Horizonte. Both teams captured at least one point in their first game, with Argentina beating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran playing to a draw with Nigeria.
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FEELING THEIR WAY IN: The Argentines got the result they wanted against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it was not the most convincing performance. They controlled possession (59-41 percent) but were outshot 16-12 and got just two shots on target (scoring on both), while the Bosnians had six. Argentina will need to improve if they hope to advance in this tournament.
RIDING MESSI: Having said that, they do have the best player in the world at the moment. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal putting in a dreadful performance against Germany, it is Lionel Messi’s time to step up while with Argentina on the world stage. He’s off to a good start, scoring one of the goals of the tournament in his first match.
QUEIROZ RELIEVED: As for underdogs Iran, former MetroStars manager Carlos Queiroz was satisfied with his team’s performance in their first game against Nigeria. “The most important thing we can take from this game is that our morale is high. It’s shown that we can get results,” Queiroz said after the match. If they get a point against Argentina, he will probably be just a bit more satisfied.
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THE STAR YOU KNOW
- Lionel Messi, forward, Argentina -- He’s the best player in the world at the moment and will look to prove it yet again when he plays against Iran.
THE PLAYER WHO WILL SURPRISE YOU
- Ashkan Dejagah, midfielder, Iran -- The Fulham man will be looking to get on track at this World Cup after scoring five Premier League goals last year.
