Argentina Vs Iran, 21st June, 2014

World Cup: Argentina aim to ensure progress against Iran in Belo Horizonte

Lionel Messi: Calling for an attacking approach from Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella

 

Argentina can secure their place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup round of 16 with victory over Iran at the Estadio Mineirao on Saturday.

Alejandro Sabella’s side stand alone at the top of Group F following their 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Iran and Nigeria playing out a goalless draw in their opening match.
A Sead Kolasinac own goal gave Argentina a third-minute lead before Lionel Messi doubled their advantage after the break, although an 85th-minute strike from Vedad Ibisevic set up a tense finish for the South Americans.
The Argentine defence stood firm, however, meaning victory over Iran would seal a place in the knockout stages with a match to spare.
This will be the first time the two nations have locked horns at a World Cup, with their lone previous meeting ending in a 1-1 draw back in 1977.

Carlos Queiroz’s Iran stand joint-second with Nigeria after an opening game stalemate and their organised defence, which saw them concede the fewest goals in the Asian qualifying group, could prove a challenge for Argentina.
In their World Cup curtain-raiser, Sabella deployed Argentina in a 5-3-2 formation before reverting to 4-3-3 and attack-minded Messi believes the latter is crucial if they are to break opponents down.
"As strikers, we prefer that system as it gives us more attacking opportunities and if we don't use that system we suffer a bit,” he claimed.
"We as strikers favour that line-up. In the first half I was often on my own and so was (Sergio) Kun (Aguero) and it was very difficult, so there are things to be improved on.
"We are Argentina and I think we have to focus on ourselves, and not on who we're facing."
Argentina’s forward department has been without striker Rodrigo Palacio, although the Inter Milan forward has returned to training and could feature.
Meanwhile, Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun remains the only concern for Queiroz after he picked up a knock in their opening match and is unlikely to feature this weekend.
There is no doubt Argentina enter this clash as overriding favourites, as Reza Ghoochannejhad well knows, but the Charlton forward believes their ‘underdog’ tag could work in their favour.
"We have to enjoy it and follow the coach's instructions to the letter,” he said. “We've got absolutely nothing to lose in this match.
"Argentina are among the favourites this year, while the same can't be said for us. All the pressure will be on their shoulders and we will have to show our resilience, like against Nigeria.”
Paul Merson’s prediction
Iran defended really well against Nigeria. I was really impressed by their organization - they weren’t great going forward, but defensively they were really good. I have to go for Argentina to win but it won’t be a 10-0 job.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0