Iran v Nigeria Match of the Day Live

Messi at the Maracana. Let us hope this does what it says on the tin.

And he dances away. That is what they came for.

Good evening. It took a while but Lionel Messi lit up the Maracana

last night and got Argentina off to a winning start in Group F. C what

the African champions have got. -- let others see what the African

champions have got. What an introduction to a World Cup

football. It certainly was a pretty unusual celebration near, John.

Daniel Amokachi, still Daniel Amokachi, brilliant run. What a

fantastic tool. And Nigeria take the lead against Argentina. Nigeria take

the lead against Italy. Terrific goal. What a good strike! Nigeria

have beaten Spain. Nigeria have failed to get out of

the group stage since the heady days of the 90s. The coach Stephen

Keshi, the captain in the 1990 World Cup, will hope that the Super Eagles

get off to a flying chart -- flying start against Iran. Colour skiers

has been frustrated by poor preparation and a lack of quality

opposition in the build-up to this World Cup. Carlos Queiroz. You were

in the Maracana last night, Argentina are the overwhelming

favourites to win this group, it must have been special? It was

unbelievable and I spoke to you yesterday about it. I can tell my

grandchildren that I have seen Messi in the Maracana. He struggled early

on but he gradually found his feet when they change the system in the

second half. He was under immense pressure and look like that in the

first half. He had to feel his way into the game. This is in the first

game. He has still got those two teams today to come up against. He

must be licking his lips. It has been a creature of the tournament so

far that the best players have turned up. It is a pity that Rinaldo

did not do it today. Bosnia were pretty impressive in that game,

Newell, we sat and watched it. You would think they would be favourites

along with Argentina to go through. They had good -- they had a good

qualifying campaign. Speaking about toddlers, they will not picking --

putting too much emphasis on the Argentina result are looking towards

Nigeria and Iran. It does look like it is about who will finish second

in the script. Nigeria have got quick men up front. Victor Moses, I

know him well. They are backed up with a very good goalkeeper. 21

clean sheets this season. With that pace up front they will be a threat.

Letters find out more about Nigeria's opponents Iran.

Iran might be ranked as Asia's best team but

Iran might be ranked as Asia's best team expectations are low as they

make the fourth appearance in the World Cup finals. Their manager has

described the campaign in Brazil as a mission impossible. Their

preparation hampered by a lack of quality opposition. Iran have won

only once in the previous appearances, in the most politically

charged fixture ever against the USA and France 1998. If Iran are to

qualify from the group they will have to do so by playing defensive,

counter attacking football. They kept ten clean sheets in qualifying,

more than any other nation. The struggle at the other end of the

field. As we have seen, Iran are coached by

Carlos Queiroz, familiar to both Rio Ferdinand and Phil Neville from the

attainment Manchester United. -- from the time at Manchester United.

To play any second World Cup in the land of football, in the country

that football is in the veins, I am glad to have that opportunity. When

you're riding the World Cup, the games are difficult, it does not

matter if it is against Argentina, Nigeria, anything can happen. I used

to say that we crossed held during the qualifying period and now it is

heaven, it is time to enjoy. -- hell. Reaching the second stage is

the only way to bring joy, or not and pressed each to the fans in

Iran. -- honour and prestige. He came to Manchester United and nobody

knew anything about him. He shouted at Ryan Giggs to get the ball now.

People were impressed. Good job he did not pick Roy Keane! He is

annoyed with the fact that everybody is ignoring his side. That is his

competitive edge that comes through. He was like that with us.

He took care of all the details. Some managers will give you

nicknames, Giggs, Ferdinand, Neville, you will do what I am

saying and it is now changing. He was fantastic for us. He laid a lot

of the foundations for our success. More of a number two than the number

one? That is what was always levelled against him. He has not

done well as a number one so far. More on the match tonight later but

one game has been played already today when Germany met Portugal.

Too familiar foes going head-to-head in the lunchtime heat. Germany with

three wins over Portugal in three major tournaments before this one.

What a mistake and what a mess! What an escape for Portugal. -- a miss.

That bill came to leave for Germany. Has he been brought down? Yes, he

has. He went down under pressure from the Portuguese full-back. It is

Thomas Muller now for Germany, 1-0. 11 minutes played and Thomas Miller

has scored. He starts where he left off four years ago in South Africa.

Germany have to settle for a corner. The defender was able to stretch and

get his body in the way. And that is 2-0 for Germany. What a header. Just

over half an hour played and it is a commanding lead for Germany.

He could be in a spot of bother as he caught Thomas Muller in the

face. Judging by his reaction he clearly did not think so. Thomas

Muller is squaring up to him and he is sent off. No stranger to

controversy during his career. Thomas Muller went down as if he had

been punched flush in the face which was far from the case. Pepe, with

that overreaction, incurred the wrath of the referee. Not a great

start to the World Cup for Portugal. It is 3-0. Thomas Miller is the.

This game looked all over already. The half-time whistle has not even

born. The top score from four years ago has got two goals in the first

45 minutes. Portugal have got a massive headache.

Muller has got a hat-trick. He has got a habit of being in the right

place at the right time and he certainly was here. That was on a

plate from the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper could only parry it

straight out to the German forward. Germany 4-0 Portugal.

Remarkable that this is the fourth successive time that Germany have

started a World Cup campaign by scoring four goals or more. Germany

played Dan on Saturday Wells Portugal meet the USA one day later.

-- Ghana. The game was over at half-time. We were talking about the

fact that you had to pass the ball to Rinaldo to get a shot off. The

day went to bad -- the day went from bad to worse. If I was defending I

felt it was harsh. In real time, I felt it was a strict -- a penalty

straight away. He got his arm a little bit, there always will be

contact, but not enough to go down. This is the red card incident. What

team you make of this? He was sent off for his reaction. How many times

have we seen this from Pepe? It did not surprise us. He is a time bomb

waiting to go off. You cannot do it on a football pitch. The intent was

there. It was a little bit of a touch but he did not go down

injured. He was clearly annoyed by the reaction from the first incident

but you cannot react like that. He let his team-mates down. They are

down to ten men now. They were struggling with the situation they

were in. He will not play now. It must drive you potty when one of you

players does that wish to mark if it was me I would be going through them

like a hot knife through butter. It is disgraceful. He has let his

country down. He is a big player for Portugal and it is not the first

time that we have seen this from Pepe. He is a big player for the

Portugal squad and they will have to do without them. We have been

discussing about how teams have been marking from corners. The zonal

marking was adopted by Portugal and it did not work. It is so important,

the second line. They cannot have a run on the

centre-backs. They have got to affect the run of Mats Hummels, not

let him jump like that. It is so easy when you get a run on the

defenders, to jump on this site as a central defender, it is impossible

to mark. The second line of defence has such an important job to do. How

do you prefer to defend from corners? Do you prefer to get tight

to the man? What we used to do at Manchester

United, was marking a man. Zonal marking just kills me. All you are

doing is saying, "this is my area, and if someone comes in over year,

it is not my area". There are too many grey areas. You are marking a

man, and that is it. We did a zonal marking a lot at Celtic. LAUGHTER

For me, it is Pepe's full because he is outjumped by Mats Hummels but

Phil Neville is right, there should have been somebody tried to put of

Mats Hummels but once it is in the area, Pepe has to go. You are not

still Celtic manager. You have no interest whatsoever to Rio! Thomas

Muller won the Golden Boot four years ago. No one has won it twice

in succession. He schools proper goals, this fellow. I like them. --

he schools. When you seem on the team sheet, you

does not strike fear into you as a defender. When the ball falls in the

box, he's on to it like a flash and he is clinical, though. He put his

head down and smashes the ball anywhere, as long as it is on target

and invariably it goes in the back of the net. He does not get involved

in the build-up. Sometimes you can let him have the ball because

technically, views not that great. But when it comes in the box, as

Manchester United talk he's different. He is not an out and out

centre forward. But he is a team player and makes runs for other

people, into areas, pulls you around, will take you into the

corner, knowing that another player will be running from deep into the

midfield, into the space you have left. He is very cute like that,

very intelligent. Years one of the number of the star goal-scorers who

have got off to a decent start. This is the Golden Boot graphic, already

plenty of goals and some big names at the top of the board. Fantastic,

that is what you want from the World Cup. The top players in Europe and

the world and Messi just warming up nicely after last night as well. And

Sturridge as well. We'll have live coverage of Ghana against the USA

later tonight. Kick-off is approaching into Redeemer and the

atmosphere is building. Let's hear from the Nigerian camp.

We are the Super Eagles of Nigeria. My dream is to build a strong team

for Nigeria. He has brought a lot to the team. From the way we used to

play before, now we play a bit more like the European style. We are very

organised when we don't have the ball and very effective when we do.

We know exactly what is coming. It is up to us if we are ready or not.

I think this team right now, we are very united. We have a good team.

All the players are like brothers. We have been together, off the pitch

and on the pitch, we think as one, we move as one, we talk and do

everything together. We have a very good coach and I'm sure they have

some quality good players. It is going to be tough, they are very

together, they play together as a team and teams like that are

difficult to beat. We have to be focused. We have to concentrate and

do our jobs. We cannot take Iran likely. They are not going to take

us lightly. We have to go out with everything that we have. We have to

find a way. The first game is the key. The first game is important and

we want to get off to a winning start so hopefully we can do that.

There will be a lot of expectation in Africa Nigeria. They are the

champions of Africa as well. Have they got what it takes to progress

in this competition? After seeing Bosnia yesterday, it is going to be

tough but they have someone like John Obi Mikel, who is experienced,

and the other players can look to him to try to lead them into the

next stage. He has played a lot of football at the top level in

Europe. He has got the responsibility to drive them through

if he can. It means a lot to the players, of course, Phil. They have

got bags of pace up front, for sure. I watched the warm up game against

Greece a couple of weeks ago, and the lad on the right, he can catch

pigeons. The lad up front is big and powerful, and we know about Victor

Moses. They will play direct and they are young and have lots of

energy. Hopefully you will get an exciting Nigeria team tonight. At

Celtic, you had Efe Ambrose. What is he like? Terrific. He came in and

was a revelation, particularly in Europe. We played him at centre-half

but he will play right back for Nigeria predominantly. They will be

expecting him to make galloping runs, overlaps, putting in great

crosses. The defensive structure of Nigeria has improved a lot. -- they

will not be expecting him. Emmanuel Emenike is really thing you want in

a centre forward as well. -- has everything. They will be

straightforward, 4-4-1-1, Iran, they will be disciplined, the two lads in

midfield will sit in, and Alnwick and Nekounam and they will look to

counter through the fun to after Jagger and Ghoochannejhad. They have

got speed but apart from that, they will be the best organised team in

the tournament because that is Carlos Queiroz's strength. We know

Ashkan Dejagah, because we have seen him at Fulham. He has scored some

decent goals this season. Definitely, he does not mind taking

on shots from crazy angles. In a tournament like this when people

don't necessarily know much about you, if you have a surprise like

that in your locker, you can become a star out of nothing. As Phil said,

Carlos Queiroz will have them set up very solid, but able to

counterattack. We don't expect them to be whipping boys, then? Not with

a man like Carlos Queiroz in charge. They will be very well conditioned

as well. Iranians teams in the past, they have gone the distance in

the games, and they will be well drilled. -- Iranians teams. They

will all be desperate to get off to a good start. Definitely, the nerves

will be jangling and they just want to get out there, get a touch of the

ball, see what the World Cup is all about, what it feels like. Once they

get that, they can calm down and get on with it and start playing normal

football but this is a huge moment for their players. The countries

back home are looking at them and expectations will be high because

they wait. They will want to produce. These kind of tournaments

can make and break reputations. They can and they are in a tough group.

This is the most important game for these two countries. If they win it,

they have a chance to get through and if not, they are struggling with

Bosnia and Argentina still to come. We have not had a draw so far which

is remarkable, and plenty of goals. I'm not sure this will be a goalless

draw but I think Iran would take it. I think they would. It is an

important game for both of them in the context of the group. But

particularly if Emmanuel Emenike is on form, I fancy them to get a

couple of goals. It is Irani gets Nigeria, with Argentina in this

group. A win for either could prove crucial. Let's join the commentators

into redeemer, Kevin Kilbane and Steve Bower. -- in Curitiba.

COMMENTATOR: Neither team has won a World Cup match for 16 years. If

they could break that record, it would give them a fighting chance of

qualifying. There's a carnival atmosphere waiting for both of these

nations here in southern Brazil. The first game of the World Cup finals

in this stadium. We have seen many different nations outside the

ground. It is a huge occasion for the fanatical footballing nation of

Iran, who play on this stage for the first time since 2006. Still,

really, arriving here as something of an unknown quantity. As we have

been saying, we should await expect the unexpected of the African

champions Tom and Nigeria. -- champions, Nigeria. They know the

importance of it. Particularly with the two fixtures that are lying in

wait, as we pause for the national anthems. Ladies and gentlemen,

please stand for the national anthem of Irani. -- Iran.

And now, the national anthem of Nigeria!

Deafening noise inside this stadium. It was only officially completed

last month. Unofficially, it might well have been yesterday. It has

been a race against time for this day, ever since the World Cup was

awarded to Brazil. Curitiba hosting Iran and Nigeria. They are both well

aware of the importance of this result in this group. Iran have an

experienced squad with 11 players aged 30 or over, six of them based

in Europe. Most recognisable to us, Ashkan Dejagah awful, a previous

European U21 winner with Germany, one of many persuaded by Carlos

Queiroz to switch allegiance in the last couple of years. Reza

Ghoochannejhad of Charlton has scored 14 since making his debut.

Andranik Teymourian, once of Bolton, briefly awful, is the heartbeat of

the team. And alongside him, the captain, Javad Nekounam. -- briefly

of Fulham. The official tonight is from Ecuador, the 37-year-old Carlos

Vera, who boasts seven years on the international stage.

Vincent and Nemo, the goalkeeper, is Nigeria's captain. -- Vincent

Enyeama. Nigeria themselves only have three

players who play in their own country but they do have the core of

the squad that won the Africa cup of Nations last year. John Obi Mikel

was Man of the Match in that final and he wins his 60th cap today.

Young centre-back Kenneth Omeruo will also be of interest to Chelsea

fans because he has just been handed a new long-term contract after an

impressive loan spell at Middlesbrough this season. He is in

a back for that also includes Efe Ambrose of Celtic. Victor Moses is

firmly first choice, offering a threat down the left, aiming to

supply Emmanuel Emenike who was their top scorer in qualifying.

Nigeria finished bottom of their group in South Africa, four years

ago. Iran have only ever won one World Cup match. Carlos Queiroz

certainly hoping that changes in this tournament, ideally today. The

The expectation is for Nigeria in this one. It will be run on the

world stage for the first time in 2006. -- Iran. We don't know what to

expect from both sides. We expect Iran to be very organised and they

have to win this game if they want to get out of the group. They will

have been watching Bosnia and Argentina last night who are very

strong sides. These two are the weakest teams in the group.

That was a foul on Ambrose. Dejagah was the offender. Only Elvis will

these players be? It is worse in the tunnel just before the game. That

was delivered into the sky by the most experienced player on the

pitch, Nekounam. Joseph Yobo is amongst the substitutes for Nigeria

tonight. The former Everton player. You can see straight away that Iran

are defending very deep and they are not allowing any hang them for the

Nigerian forward because of the peace they have got upfront. -- not

allowing any space for the Nigerian forwards.

They have had far from ideal preparation for the scheme. They

qualified 364 days ago and since then they have only played five warm

up games. For 119 days they did not play a game together. They had no

real quality opposition. That was Victor Moses going for gold. He did

not quite catch that. He picked up the ball and looked to drive at the

defence. He did not get hold of it. One of the assistance for Nigeria is

Daniel Amokachi. was expecting Dejagah to play up

front but he is on the left, a role he was familiar with at Fulham.

He does not come into the tournament in good form.

I would expect Nigeria to have most of the ball. They are not scared to

hit those diagonal passes. They are looking for Emunike.

That was a good challenge by Heydari. We will not sure what to

expect from the city when they arrived in the stadium yesterday but

we are pleasantly surprise. Fantastic atmosphere.

The Chelsea player is given more licence to get forward at country

level than he is at club level. That was blocked by Montazeri. The

first corner of the game is Nigeria's. Nigeria are attacking the

right back. That is the avenue they are trying to go through. Trying to

get behind the defence. John Obi Mikel is in the thick of it. It will

be taken by Victor Moses. The goalkeeper did not get the first

time but the referee 's whistle has gone. It will not count. Quite a few

of the supporters did not hear the whistle. The most relieved man in

the stadium is Haghighi. He did not look comfortable. John Obi Mikel

went in there and it was not a lot in that.

He is trying to do his defence is a favour by coming out to clear up

what it was pure goalkeeping. I wonder if Nigeria think they can

exploit that. Again it is the Hosseini -- again it

is Hosseini who got cot out. Excellent play from Emunike. It was

Onazi with the shot. It was behind him and he could not get hold of it.

It is Hosseini who is getting exploited at the moment. There is

some concern for the Lazio midfielder. He is getting some

treatment. Carlos queer is using the opportunity to have worked with some

his players. -- Queiroz. That was a chance. Bodies around for Iran. He

did not get hold of it. Nigeria will hope that Onazi is OK because he is

a very important player for them. He played in the under 17 World Cup a

few years ago and it was those performances that got him a move to

Lazio in Italy. The good news for Nigeria is that

Onazi is back on his feet. He will need to come back on. It is an

important spell for Iran to try to contain Nigeria for the early parts

of the scheme. Visitor striker is allowed back on

and he is straight back on the ball. -- Onazi.

Carlos Queiroz is looking very concerned. Victor Moses did not

quite keep it going. Iran are struggling on this right-hand side.

Really struggling to contain the pace of Moses. Moses was driving at

Montazeri. Iran, who have qualified for the fourth World Cup, the first

back at Argentina in 1978 when the famously drew with Scotland, have

managed to take a point from each of the three campaigns. They feel if

the other get something from the group this will be the match that

they will do it. They have to get three points from the scheme to get

that chance. Watching those two last night, two very top sides. Bosnia

should expect to finish second in that group. This is an opportunity

for Iran. They have been practising a lot.

That could be at the chance, set plays. They will find themselves

defending very deep at times and it is difficult to get out. When they

do have set plays they have to capitalise on them.

He signed a contract with Chelsea, visitor centre, -- Omeruo, but he

has been out on loan. the Nigerian midfield. They are

interchanging positions and getting forward when they can. Nigeria had

never been farther than the last 16 in the World Cup finals. This is the

fifth tournament. Shinnie were does have a long throw in his repertoire.

-- Oshaniwa. Both managers are at the moment in

their technical areas. -- are up. Nigeria have had the majority of the

possession. John Obi Mikel, of course, missed

the World Cup, four years ago, injured the week before. It was

heartbreak in terms of that tournament. He is a key figure in

this Nigerian team. Certainly, what her diary has got to

do on the right for Iraqis get back and help his full-back out. --

Heydari. Ghoochanneijhad, understandably, a little isolated

every time Irani clear the ball. It is important when the ball comes

into him, he has got to make it stick and allow his team-mates to

get up in support of him. He's not doing that at the moment.

That was a more confident take from Haghighi. Pour from Ashkan Dejagah,

backtracking Ambrose, allowing him to skip inside. You have to try to

prevent the cross, get yourself out and close him down. Don't allow him

to skip inside you. They have been no tourist Lee well drilled and well

organised under Carlos Queiroz come Iran, keeping ten clean sheet in 16

qualifying games. Although the standard of opposition in Brazil

will be a considerable step up for them. In fact, since Carlos Queiroz

took over, they have not played any team in the top 48 in the world.

That is half the battle, isn't it? You are not playing against quality

opposition. The centre-half, Hosseini, said that recently, there

is no quality of opposition in those friendlies that they can test

themselves against. That is what they need, coming to the World Cup.

Carlos Gross feels he has moved Iranians football on since the took

charge. In 2011, he worked long and hard to persuade the country's

authorities to end the domestic season early in April, to help their

World Cup preparations. -- Carlos Queiroz feels.

There was no advantage, and the Ecuadorian referee signals a Nigeria

free kick. Iran are camped in their own half at the moment. They can't

get out. Continued pressure by Nigeria.

This time, it is Oboabona who requires treatment for Nigeria. A

carnival atmosphere. No complaints inside this stadium. The Nigerians

always add to that. We have witnessed that around the ground,

today. A great atmosphere, building a few hours before the game. The

Iranians contributing as well. There is some concern, here, for Oboabona.

He plays his football in Turkey. This is what happened with the

challenge with Ghoochannejhad. It is a strong challenge. It was on the

floor, he just goes over, you may have slightly twisted his ankle when

landing. It is difficult to see, really. As I mentioned, they have a

ready made replacement in Joseph Yobo, if he can't continue. Stephen

Keshi has made some big decisions, leaving out Joseph Yobo, with all

his experience of the Premier League, with Everton and around

Europe as well. It was a big decision for the manager to leave

him out. Nigeria, just assessing the situation, before deciding whether

or not to make a change. Moses used his hand on that

occasion. Certainly, what they are looking for, again, an diagonal ball

to Moses, trying to get him isolated, one-on-one, against

Montazeri. That time, he strayed offside and he did not need to. He

went a bit too early. It was actually handball, wasn't it?

I think that is just an indication of what a huge occasion this is for

Iran, and the nerves in the squad. Yes, you can see it, one or two poor

touches from the players, and that time, the goalkeeper, Haghighi, a

bad kick out. It just shows the nervousness of all the players.

The Nigerians are still temporarily down to ten men. They are giving

Oboabona every chance to rejoin the action. He is heavily strapped, now.

A heavy touch from the left-back and he might live to regret it. Four

forward for Nigeria. A little hurried in their attempts to find

Moses. Another poor touch from Villani, the full-back. -- Pouladi.

Ashkan Dejagah was looking for the free kick. A shake of the head from

the Ecuadorian referee. Those two getting Ford, Ghoochannejhad and

Ashkan Dejagah, off the left-hand side. They need to try to get more

bodies forward, Iran, when they break.

Ambrose made his debut six years ago, and has started all but one of

the qualifiers, the Celtic full-back. Oboabona is certainly

going to give it a go. Finally, Oboabona is back on.

Nigeria restored to 11 men. Just no real threat, going forward.

That was a real chance. They had two or three bodies that had gone

beyond, there. So many white shirts in front of

Ambrose. The Iran back for is defending very

narrow, allowing Nigeria to go wide and put crosses into the box. They

feel as though they can defend them. But you just feel, at the moment,

the momentum is gathering with Nigeria. We were saying before the

game, Ahmed Musa is a threat if he gets in behind. Phil Neville said

before the game he can catch pigeons! You know he has got a bit

of pace, then. It tickled you, didn't it? It did. Iran might have

to scamper back again, here. Nigeria dust can't pick a pass at the

moment, though. -- just can't. Emenike, showing his frustration. A

poor ball, again, Ahmed Musa checked his run, looking to get its defeat.

-- get it to feet. Nigeria have not won any of their last eight games in

the World Cup finals. In the last two tournaments, they have been

beaten in the opening two games. It would be something of a shock if

they would be something of a shock if they were beaten in this one. But

Carlos Queiroz and Iran's plan is no secret, to stay organised and try to

mix something. That is the game plan, and they will be happy at the

moment, continuing in this vein, trying to see the game through, and

after an hour or so, they might get a set play or a breakaway goal.

That is better from Montazeri. I think with Ahmed Musa's pace,

perhaps try to knock it early on the outside. He is going to beat him for

pace. A good challenge, though, and a good decision from the referee to

give a goal kick. Is not a lots of space for Iran to

operate, there. It is a congested, isn't it? Certainly, the central

midfielders for Iran, just sitting right on top of the back four. It is

difficult for Nigeria to play through them.

We can tell you that Joseph Yobo is about to come on. They have given

Oboabona every chance, but that ankle injury is going to end his

day. So, the man who has played more often than any other player for

Nigeria, 33-year-old Joseph Yobo, comes on for his 98th cap, at his

third World Cup finals. Your former team-mate. I played with him at

Everton. He was extremely quick. Again, very experienced in this

squad. Nigeria will be heavily reliant on him. He played for

Everton, for eight years. He has had his disagreements with his coach,

Stephen Keshi. He was only recalled in March this year, after a year in

the wilderness. But he has so much experience in the heart of the

Nigeria defence. It has not been tested at all, as yet.

can threaten from a set play. -- turn. It coming together as both of

them had high boots. It is packed penalty area. Joseph is forward. It

was a brilliant effort from Musa. That is a free kick to Iran. That

buys them some time and allows them to get somebody's forward.

After that initial good start from Nigeria it has just died in the last

ten minutes. Stephen Keshi will want to get them in at half-time and

regroup. Start the second half as they had started the first. When

something is expected of Nigeria that is when they often feel to

deliver. When the hopes a law then they will act as a surprise. No much

-- no more so than last year when they won the applicant tournament.

They went all the way to defeat Burkina Faso in the final.

After 33 minutes of the game Iran have got the first corner. This is

the chance that Carlos Queiroz we'll want. Can they make something from

this corner. It was a good job to win the ball back and then get the

corner. That was a great save from Enyeama.

Something out of nothing for Iran. Good save from Enyeama. Quality

goalkeeper. He did well diving to his right. For the first 34 minutes

of this match he has had absolutely nothing to do.

That was a great run from Victor Moses, outpacing the full again. --

outpacing the defender again. Suddenly you can feel inside the

stadium that Iran supporters have got a bit of belief. They need to

get onto the front foot and snap into the challenges. Get bodies

forward. That was a big chance for Emunike.

He could drive at them one on one. That was John will McKelvey was

penalised. -- it was Mikel who was penalised. Here is a chance. He had

to dive to his right hand side, Enyeama. Strong hands to pull it

away from danger. That is a free kick to Nigeria. Good concentration

levels from the goalkeeper because he has hardly touched the ball. That

is true. He is just getting his defence organised. Nigeria have to

be better defending set plays. This is what Carlos Queiroz wants. He

wants them to sit in and then try to score.

It just seems that that chance has taken Nigeria out of their stride.

Carlos Queiroz We'll be happy. Nigeria looked like they were a

threat in the early stages of the half but they have waned in the last

few minutes. Stephen Keshi is out in the

technical area. He barks his orders out. He is known to the Nigeria fans

as the big boss. He offered to resign after they had won the

African cup of Nations. He has the respect of his employers and he was

in persuaded to stay on to try to get them to Brazil. That was very

ambitious. It was a poor strike and he would never really score from

that distance. There is the chance, good header, they got good contact

on it. Decent save. He only managed one goal last season

after joining Charlton Athletic from the generated. -- from Leeds United.

That is just drifted out of play. That is a poor ball from Victor

Moses. It was a good run from the left-back Oshaniwa. It was a good

decision from the assistant. The team were very difficult to break

down in qualifying and they have proved so in the first half of this

match in Group F. There was only one thing on the mind

of Emunike. It was Emunike who went inside but he did have options. The

execution again. -- it was poor execution again. Stephen Keshi

preparing his words for half-time. He captained his side in USA 94 and

now he has the honour of coaching his side.

It is Montazeri with the throwing. The referee was not happy. --

He could've given it to Victor Moses on his outside.

I think the longer this half is going on it is becoming easier for

Iran. They want to have easy balls coming straight at them. It was a

heavy challenge with the slight suspicion of handball. I just think

it is very easy for Iran to get themselves organised and the vendor.

They are narrow and not leaving species. -- spaces That is a free

kick for Nigeria. It is Azeez who is winning his fault.

We are approaching the final minute of normal time at the end of this

first half. Great movement from Musa. Coming in

off the right-hand side and trying to claim for handball. He was trying

to look for his partner Emunike. There are two minutes to add-on.

Iran have had the best chance to change the score so far.

Ashkan Dejagah took on three, but could not beat the fourth.

Do you feel that Iran have grown in stature and belief as the half has

gone on? Yes, the threat early on was from Victor Moses down the

left. That is not a penalty. A good little step back. Oh, I don't know,

maybe it pops out towards Islam but it would be difficult for the

referee to give. You are right, though, they have grown in stature.

I think they have settled very well. A few moments early in the

game and they were under pressure. But they have weathered it. They

have been comfortable, certainly in the last 15-20 minutes.

We are yet to have a drawer in the tournament, but this one, at the

break, is all square and goalless. Ironically, Iran, through

Ghoochannejhad, had the best chance to break the deadlock, but they were

denied by an Yuma. At the break, it is Iran 0-0 Nigeria.

A lots of hustle and bustle but not much of a castle so far. I have

heard more blasts from you than a couple of sets at Wimbledon. You are

frustrated? It has been awful! Iran are good team but they are well in

the game which is due to Nigeria being poor in the final third, the

decision-making on the ball has an awful. The final execution of the

passing and crossing has been very poor. They have had all the session.

Iran have not laid a glove on them apart from one set piece. They have

to be careful, because if they don't back up their ideas, they are going

to lose. It was a decent save in the set piece. Yes, he has a great

record at club level and he has proved his worth, after not having

anything to do in the Concentration levels have to be

high, and when called upon, he made the save. At this level, you have to

have your wits about you. He parried it but I liked the fact he got up.

What you don't see much is goalkeepers coming out and catching

the ball, not punching. That was the only chance Iran had, the

Ghoochannejhad header. Not a single shot from any crazy angle

whatsoever. Nigeria had a disallowed goal early on which we are not so

sure was a foul on the goalkeeper. No, we saw one of these in the first

game, Brazil against Croatia. So many times you see it now, the

goalkeeper always gets the benefit of the doubt. I don't think there is

much contact. The forward has every right to go for the ball. But the

goalkeeper always gets a foul in this situation. It is too many

times. They are an overprotected species. The goalkeeper has jumped

into John Obi Mikel, rather than the other way around. He has got to be

stronger, simple as that. You want your goalkeeper taking everybody and

the ball, there. He looked a bit like he did not fancy it. He was

taken out too easily. He also nearly got caught out by the free kick when

he was wandering a bit too far out. Yes, he was gambling, his starting

position was too far to his left. I look at the man at the near post as

well who did not get back into shape quickly enough. He gambled a bit,

went to his left. A bit more power... Ahmed Musa had seen he was

too far over, covering. The man at the near posted not get into quick

enough. That puts him in line, and put him off and doing something like

that could have embarrassed the goalkeeper. Decent effort. You spoke

before the game about a player to watch, Emenike. It looked like you

would be proved right, early on. But now you are a bit -- I am a bit

hesitant. I bet you are but the service has been terrible. He chases

down the channel, with great pace and strength, gets his man turned,

lovely ball in, and Ahmed Musa should have scored. He's very good

at that. Too many times in the first half, they have been chipping

straight balls into him. It has been meat and drink for the Iranians

offenders. They have obviously said, " let's get into the striker early".

But far too many times, it has been too straight and easy for the

defenders to get round the front and break up the play. It is frustrating

because at times, they have a chance to break and they have not quite

managed it. You have looked at the tactics. What is missing from

Nigeria's game in the first half? Why are they struggling to break

Iran down? They take too many touches. Iran have 11 men behind the

ball. We knew that before the game. Nigeria have not moved it quick

enough, too many touches. We have not seen Moses or Ahmed Musa on the

ball enough. They have the speed to beat players won against one and we

have not seen any service into them. -- one against one. The passing in

the midfield free has been dreadful, John Obi Mikel has been slow and

square and the other two have been trying to hit long diagonals, and I

don't think they have made one in the first. Wood they got outpaced.

The first thought is to pass the ball sideways. But Nigeria's main

strengths are the pace of the forwards. Run beyond, play the ball

forward. You have got people in front of you but it is sideways and

sideways again and Iran are suddenly back in shape, not giving Nigeria

the chance to go forward. He is running through, and the spaces are

in the wide areas, Moses is on the ball, comes out but nothing. Emenike

needs the ball into the space, to run into and uses pace and it is not

happening. -- use his pace. Again, execution. It is neither here not

there. It'd go into Ahmed Musa's feet behind for Emenike. This is my

favourite. What's he going to do? He has got a man from behind and in

front and two either side. He is crowded out, instead of going wide

and opening up play. You have played against these guys. I have seen John

Obi Mikel quite a lot for Chelsea. Does he always slow things down and

play a bit square? He is one of those kind of players, isn't he? It

frustrates me when I watch him because he is a big, powerful lad

who can drive forward, cause problems, draw out a defender and

then take the ball behind him but he seems to be content to pass it

sideways and keep it ticking over. For me, as a defender, it is easy.

He is not causing you problems. Lets hope for more excitement in the

second half. England trained earlier today in

Rio. Let's get the latest news from the camp with Gabby Logan.

It is the morning after the day after the day after the night before

but there is no walk of shame for England's players. Back to work and

training at their base, they were keen to avoid any negative chatter

and accentuate the positives. The two Daniels personified everything

that was right about England on Saturday night. It was not a case of

us feeling, OK, we can't one World Cup because we should have won the

first game. We were disappointed because we knew how well we played

and we realised it was an opportunity to get a result and we

did not get it in the end. But now we have two games to go out therein

get the job done. When you dwell on things, it can lead into the next

game. But we played so well. We understand if we continue playing as

we did, we will get results it is not a question of if we will win

games. It is when we will win. We are looking to make it happen in the

next one. We can take positives from the last game but ultimately, we did

not win. That is the most important thing. We needed three points to

succeed in the next round. All the forward players for England have the

flexibility to move in and around, interchange positions. Obviously,

Wayne was on the left in the first game and in the second game, he

could be in a different position. He has got 93 caps and is Harry

experienced. When he is on the pitch, he can make a difference. --

very experienced. It's a big game and I'm looking forward to it, as

are all the players. We realise the task ahead. We are not worried about

individuals or Uruguay. I am not an texting terms with Luis Suarez at

the moment. I don't think Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Raheem

Sterling Glen Johnson are, either. I don't think he will want to tell

anyone how he is feeling. I hope he is OK, fighting fit, because I never

wish any body injury. But regardless of whether he is playing, we can't

worry about Luis Suarez. There is playing, we can't worry about Luis

Suarez. Their resonant session with him for Uruguay. It is a team game.

-- varies an obsession. Daniel Sturridge also revealed he got a pep

talk from his mum on the phone. She told him to mash it up! This time

tomorrow, Brazil will play Mexico in Fortaleza. Juninho has been looking

ahead to the game with Mark Chapman. How difficult a test will Mexico be?

In the last six or seven games between them, it was a very tough

game, a tight game. Mexico did very well as a defensive team against

Brazil. Brazil found it a bit difficult to unblock the defence.

Mexico is not in the same form as before, even though they played well

in the first game. But Brazil have to prove now that they can unblock

the Mexico defence in the quickest way. Do you think the players were

too emotional at the start of the first game? Players were in tears

during the national anthem. Yes, definitely, they were. In the first

10-15 minutes, you could see it on the field. I think their minds came

to the right place and then they started

Are there any changes you would make for the Mexico game? I think it will

be the same team. Scolari wants to give them confidence. It is only the

first game. I think the players need to play better than they did in the

first game. But it is all about confidence. I think Scolari will

give them a lot of confidence in the second game. They have to be

flexible. Mexico will come to defend than they did in the first game --

more than they did. Neymar and Oscar need to have movement. Who would you

prefer at number ten, Neymar, or Oscar? It is difficult to see a

number ten at all. They want to play on the sides. It is strange for me

because I like a playmaker in the hole. Probably, Neymar would do a

better job. Everybody knows they have to mark the playmaker but he

has to move and get the ball in good places to get some gaps. Paulinho, I

think he needs to come more into the game than he did in the first game.

He is like our surprise guy. Dani Alves and Marcello Trotta me to help

the front line. -- Marcello Trotta. Here they come, so much pressure, so

much expectation. This is the title that all the players want to win. To

right, a lot of these guys are friends of the court but the moment

they step out there, forget it. A hugely exciting moment, this. It

still gives you goose bumps, centre court. Two it is the greatest court

in the world. -- it is the greatest court in the world. Wimbledon,

2014. It is anyone's game. the world of social media. The Globe

went excited for Messi at the American last night. -- at the

Maracana. That was the highest peak of the weekend. One thing that

happened on Friday is causing ripples, which is trying to

replicate the position adopted by Robin van piercing when he scored

that wonderful equaliser against Spain. -- Persie.

You continues in your thousands to send anywhere you are watching the

World Cup this summer. Let us look at some of those. The perfect

English pop. -- public house. This is some impressive second screen.

Tactical camera all the way. If you hit the red button you can find

plenty to do whilst you are watching the World Cup in the background. If

there's anything you want to send anything to then send it to BBC

World Cup on twitter. If any of you go onto Twitter then

you will know that Southhampton have appointed a new manager, Ronald

Truman, he was a decent player. If he is half a good manager as he was

a player than that is a good appointment. -- Koeman. His biggest

test before he kicks a ball is keeping hold of the players. It will

be a tough job. Second half. What will change? Nigeria have to play

quicker. John Aubrey Meeker has been the star but he is taking too many

touches. Iran will be playing for set pieces. The main focus for them

will be to try to get, and to steal gold. You said that Iran will not

good side, Neil Lennon, they will be happy. It will be delighted. -- they

will be delighted. Nigeria, there's a lot more to come from them. They

will be disappointed. Let others be join our commentary team.

So far, so good for Carlos credos. -- Carlos Queiroz. Nigeria will need

to move the ball quicker. Dislodge the Iranian backline. The crosses

into the box is easy for Iran to deal with. When John Obi Mikel gets

on the ball, quick passes, use Victor Moses to hurt them. Iran had

one glorious day in France 98 when they defeated the USA 2-1. The only

World Cup win. It is Nigeria who get the second half under way. They are

trying to dampen Iranians dreams and give themselves a platform in Group

F. There have been no changes from either side at half-time. They both

seek an alteration in the scoreline, particularly Nigeria.

Just too many bodies. Good defending. It was a decent run.

Trying to go on the outside. Mehrdad got across and it was good defending

from him. That was a pole and it is a free kick to Nigeria. There have

been a few Nigerians in the walls. -- wars. Do you think Nigeria need

to show more urgency. I completely agree with that. They have got some

good quality footballers. They need to make some quick passes but they

are not doing that. It is very easy for Iran to get set up and organise.

It would've been even better for Iran if that header had gone in the

first half. That was blocked by Nekounam, the captain, and Nigeria

have got a corner. Is this the moment when it changes

for Nigeria? Victor Moses with the extremely disappointing delivery. If

you beat the first man then you give the attacker is a chance. It was put

execution from Victor Moses. He did not in the end Haghighi. --

he did enough. They have not got Musa and Moses --

Moses into the game. He could be key for Nigeria. He started on the

left-hand side and he has now came out onto the right but he has had

very little impact on to the game. He should be fresh, Victor Moses. He

started only six Premiership games with his spell with Liverpool. It

did not work out for him at Anfield. The previous season he started twice

as many at Chelsea. I want to see him running behind the Rams defence.

He is not doing it at the moment and he is trying to get the ball at his

feet all of the time. That was an untidy foal from Joseph

Yobo. It was good touch from him initially, he got his body in front

of Joseph Yobo. You can see his hands are all over him. There was an

appeal from Nekounam for handball. Nigeria are making a change. It is a

familiar name. It is sure Ameobi who is coming on for Nigeria. -- Shola.

He made a good start to the game but he was not involved in the latter

stages. His association for 14 years with Newcastle has come to an end

and they are still trying to sort out his future. In the first half,

Nigeria were going direct. It'll give them more licensed to get the

ball into Shola Ameobi. That is the angle that they can get at the Rand

's defence. Nigeria have got a free kick. We'll Haghighi be tested

today? He was on loan at Portugal last season.

It is the fourth corner of the game -- fourth corner of the game.

That was a really poor set play. That is comfortable for Haghighi. He

did not play in any of the qualifying matches for Iran. The

number one was in possession of the shot and then he announced his

retirement. It was Haghighi who got the nod from Carlos query was today.

-- Carlos Queiroz. Nigeria have not done enough, especially from set

plays. They have been very poor. They have been unbeaten in their

last 28 World Cup qualifiers. They defeated Ethiopia in a play-off to

get here. It will be disappointment in the

country if they do not go on to win the scheme. We have Phil Neville and

Rio Ferdinand talking about the manager when he was at Manchester

United. The one thing that he is renowned for his organisation. You

can see that again in his team today. They are trying to defend the

width of the box. They are a loving Nigeria to go wide and then deal

with it when it comes into the box. It was Oshaniwa with the final. --

foul. He did not have to cross at so

early. He had runners beside him. He was looking for the glory pass,

Emunike. It was easy for Iran to deal with.

Brilliant goalkeeping from Vincent Enyeama. He did really well, coming

over the top of Joseph Yobo, defending it. Excellent goalkeeping.

His third World Cup finals, the 31-year-old. His 92nd cap in the

Nigerian goal to night. -- tonight. Again, just lethargic with the

passing, moving it slowly across the pitch. No real pace.

They just have not been able to get in behind Iran at all. Apart from

the first ten minutes, that has been it, really.

You can see Ameobi, looking for the 1-2. It was good play from Ameobi to

win the challenge. Again, you sense that Nigeria are just looking for

the glory shot, the glory cross. Just keep it simple, keep moving it

quickly and the opportunity will come. Carlos Queiroz will be

delighted, on the bench. He was a bit spiky in the press Conference we

were out yesterday. There was a suggestion of negative tactics. He

certainly spoke with an error of defiance. Yes, you was asked about

the defensive shape of his side -- he was asked. They provided little

threat going forward. His response was basically, "there is more than

one way to win a game of football". A nice little bit of skill from

Emenike. There is a lot of talent in this

Nigerian side as well. I think we spoke about it before the game,

nerves can get the better of you. They have looked nervous in

possession. They are always looking for the safe option. They have

looked nervous with the expectancy. Everybody expects them to win this

game. Traditionally, Nigeria have struggled in that kind of

environment. That is wasteful again from Ambrose. You can't say much

about that, can you? He has got players onside. Ameobi had made

himself available, a good little angle to give and go. Try something

different. A reminder that we have another live

game tonight on BBC One from 10:40pm. It is Ghana against the

USA. And then tomorrow, a real treat, from 7:30pm, Brazil against

Mexico. It is still goalless come here in Curitiba. -- goalless, here.

That will be far too close to the goalkeeper. A dreadful throw out

from him, though. The shot came in from Hajsafi. I thought that was the

goalkeeper's way of trying to inject some urgency. I think it was John

Obi Mikel who was not ready for it, allow the ball to run across him.

Again, and Vincent Enyeama is looking to get them going.

Ambrose is making his World Cup debut.

Ameobi, dropping a little deeper. There is a bit of disgruntlement

coming from the Nigerian supporters inside the stadium. Definitely, you

can see they are defending deeper and deeper, Iran, but it is working

for them. We mentioned they have kept ten clean sheets in 16

qualifying games. In their history, Iran have never kept a clean sheet

at a World Cup finals. We mentioned the confidence levels of

Ghoochannejhad. That might have been taking it a fraction too far. Yes,

it has shown today, with that clean sheet record they have got, you can

see how difficult it is for teams to play against them. Victor Moses, was

very disappointing today. He was not involved in the game apart from the

initial ten minutes. He had very little influence.

Not a decision that he particularly agreed with, there. Again, I think,

sometimes come here trying to show how strong he is, Onazi. Move the

ball quickly, release it and go elsewhere. Nigeria are just not

doing that. Oh, dear, it is going from bad to worse in terms of

Nigeria's attacking threat. Again, you can see, Iran are looking to sit

in. A good opportunity, there Hajsafi, getting forward. Can they

threaten come here? Ameobi is waiting in the penalty area but it

is nowhere near him. Can Iran get bodies forward?

Ghoochannejhad just showed too much of it to Joseph Yobo. Montazeri has

not been closed down. Three in the penalty area. A very important

interception from Oshaniwa. Much better, good break, getting the ball

wide as well. Heydari with a good, pacey cross, dealt with by the

Nigerian defence but another set play, what they are looking for. Can

they score? Just their second corner of the match. We have played almost

65 minutes. Will it be a telling one?

Emenike did well to get back but it went Iran's way. Emenike had the

pace, there. A decent challenge from him. I think the referees give the

foul for the scissors motion, both feet off the ground. A big

opportunity for Iran. Can they capitalise?

Hajsafi, the 24-year-old, with his left foot, to take a free kick.

Five Iranians bodies in there. It's needed watching -- it's needed

watching by John Obi Mikel. Nigeria still have not got this clear.

Hajsafi's pull-back was not quite there and then a difficult one for

Ghoochannejhad to keep down. The reaction of Emenike as well.

You just sense, as do the Iranians are borders, beginning to believe

they might see a bit of history, here. They still talk about the day

in France, 98, when they beat the USA 2-1, the only time in nine

attempts that they have ever won a World Cup match. You can see they

are growing in confidence. Carlos Queiroz, just below us, in the

technical area, getting very animated.

Another Nigeria corner. At from Joseph Yobo, taking a quick free

kick. It was a poor ball from Ambrose, actually, but they have got

something from it. Haghighi still has his clean sheet

in tact. -- intact. Nigeria might need to make a change because Ramon

Azeez has a touch of cramp. Peter Odemwingie is going to come on for

him. But he will have to wait until after the corner.

There was a clash of heads inside the penalty area. Emenike is OK.

Pouladi was the uranium player who challenged him. -- Iranians.

Ramon Azeez, justice that cap, having made his debut in March,

departs. -- just his third cap. Peter Odemwingie had not played for

Nigeria for two years, after his fall out with the country's

authorities. But he is back in the fold and back on the pitch, the

Stoke City man, for his 62nd cap. Yes, that clash of heads, there, a

strong challenge from Pouladi. A big chance for Odemwingie. He actually

had a decent end to the season. We know he is a threat and can score

goals. Yes, you got five -- he got five the Stoke after his January

move from Cardiff. He has a little over 20 minutes to influence

matters, here. A better delivery and Ameobi! A big

chance. Much better, ball played into Odemwingie, good control,

played wide to Oshaniwa, and a great ball into the box. Ameobi, expect

him to hit the target, there. -- you expect him. It was actually a foul,

the referee blowing the whistle just before. It was a chance, though,

wasn't it? He has got across his man, looking to hit the target. But

from Nigeria. -- better from Nigeria. 20 minutes to go, into it

either. -- in Curitiba. Nigeria, desperately trying to break the

deadlock. This was the Iran game plan after 70

minutes, to be in the game with a clean sheet in tact. Exactly, we

spoke about it before the game as well, they have to keep themselves

in the match. They are defensively well organised. Certainly, Carlos

Queiroz has got the best out of his side were doing that. And they have

done the job. -- for doing that. Can they get a set play or a breakaway

to get the goal and win themselves the game? That was put again, it

really is. It was a simple pass for a Musa. It was a good run by Ambrose

on the right-hand side. It is really shocking. You can see the chance

again, it was good movement by Shola Ameobi. He does have a couple of

international goals to his name. He has scored only five league goals in

the last three seasons. Nigeria will not be concerned with it comes from

as long as they can find a goal in the remaining 17 minutes. They play

Bosnia next before facing Argentina.

It is a bit scrappy. Who touches from both sides. -- poor. This is

the first yellow card of the game. It goes to the former Morton

midfielder. Peter Odemwingie has given them more energy when he's

came on. That is the first name in the

notebook for the referee from Ecuador. John Obi Mikel with the

Nigeria free kick. That was a team effort in the end.

It was. It was a quick free kick by Mikel. This time he took a quick

one. That was comfortably taken by

Enyeama. We are going to have a change soon.

That was exciting but Dejagah could not get over it. He just got ahead

of the ball, Dejagah. Nigeria with a timely reminder. That is the threat

that they carry. You need to get forward and be quick, and PC. You

need to get the ball into the box and take it when you get the chance.

He has been disappointing, Emunike. He has got pace. Very disappointing.

That headed opportunity from Dejagah who plays for Fulham. It is as last

opportunity. He will make way. I wonder if Dejagah is sitting down

and they are wondering what might have been. It was a big chance for

him. There were stories of only 11 players attending training camps.

There was a lack of funding from 40s. Even the players kept were

shrinking in the wash. -- kit. The players have been told not to swap

shirts because replacements are in short supply. We have seen some

people changing shirts at half-time. I am sure it will not be the same.

They defied the odds to get here and they are doing the same in the

opening game. They had clean sheets in qualification. Difficult to break

down and difficult to beat. Nigeria have not done enough for me. They

have been very poor going forward. They have been very difficult to

play against. Very well organised. Is this to be the first goal the

scheme of the World Cup finals? -- goalless game.

Space is beginning to appear for Iran. Hajsafi getting more influence

on this team now. I am running out of things to say about instances

like that. That just sums up Nigeria. It was pure touch. There

was nobody within ten or 15 yards from home. At this level it is

unacceptable. You can see what Stephen Keshi thinks of it. His

contract is up at the end of the tournament and any more displays

like this then they will not be any debate about whether it should be

renewed. That was handball. The referee 's

whistle had gone. He says shoulder. Relevant because he did not hit the

target. He just took over the, Peter Odemwingie. He just took over the,

Peter Odemwingie. They recognise the school temple. -- he recognised the

slow tempo. He has looked a bright spark since he has came on.

Everybody else in Nigerian side has been very pure around him. -- poor.

Again it is Mikel. He is trying to beat a man when he can move the ball

from the centre. Give somebody else a chance in space.

I just wonder whether the Nigerian players have studied their grip.

Bosnia and Argentina still to play. -- studied their group. Getting out

of the group is not something the group is not something they did four

years ago, they finished bottom of it. The way that Bosnia played

against Argentina last night they have got so much going for them on

the evidence that we have seen. Very quick Omeruo. I have seen him

play at Middlesbrough this season. He has got the ability to play it

out. The African champions have fallen

below the standards. Iran looked likely to maintain a record of

maintaining at least one point from every tournament they have

participated in. Iran are quite settled and happy,

dropping deeper and deeper. The owners, as it has been from the

beginning, on Nigeria. -- onus He was not fouled and he is looking so

quickly to the referee. I think he has been poor, I really do.

Those supporters have made it a great atmosphere. Events on the

pitch have not quite matched it. Yes, a lot of locals, Brazilians

coming out to support both sides this evening but you have to say,

they have disappointed on the pitch, overall. It is what we

expected from Iran, I have to say but I expected a lot more from

Nigeria. Two and a half minutes of the 90

remaining. Iran, just keeping possession. They

just want to get over the line and get a point on the board.

John Obi Mikel, running into traffic and gets the free kick. I think he

gets lucky again. Again, dwelling on the ball, looking to beat two and

three men in the middle of the park. Just move the ball on and give your

team-mates a chance. Another change for Iran, sure Jerry, the

30-year-old, who places the ball in the Canary Islands with Las Palmas.

He is going to replace Heydari on the right-hand side. -- Masoud

Shojaei. It is his 51st cap. He is lastly experienced, the substitute.

He spent five years in Spain with Osasuna as well. Just a fresh pair

of legs that the last couple of minutes. Heydari has done a decent

job, certainly defensively. He has not been able to get forward at

times but after the initial problems on the right, he did well,

supporting his full-back. When we saw there were two

full-backs playing in the wide areas of midfield for Iran, there was not

any secret to their approach this game. Odemwingie, in the last minute

of the 90. That is a bit more inviting towards

Ameobi and Pouladi, very importantly, getting ahead of him.

Good defending at the far post. He did not have a good body shape,

Pouladi, but managed to get something on it. He could not see

the attacker coming in behind him. But he got something on it and did

well. Yet another Nigerian corner, John Obi Mikel taking it this time.

Ameobi's had! Pouladi again in the way. -- header. It has taken 90

minutes to put a decent ball in the box for Nigeria. That time, John Obi

Mikel taking the corner. The Nigerians want is the late drama.

They only have two minutes of stoppage time left to witness it.

Back into the penalty area, headed clear by Nekounam. That is

comfortable in the end for Haghighi. Yes, comfortable ball

played in. Odemwingie, going out, looking for the short corner, just

to try to dislodge the uranium defence but they have been

comfortable defensively anyway. -- Iranians defence.

The uranium substitutes are poised in the technical area to jump onto

the pitch. -- Iranians substitutes. From where they have come from,

under Carlos Queiroz this would be a significant stride forward. Of

course, but this is a late chance for them to put the ball into the

Nigerian penalty area. Can they cause problems? The last minute of

stoppage time. The whistle had already gone by the

time Ameobi defended it. A decent chance, Ameobi coming in at

the far post. Again, the first real decent set play Nigeria have taken.

Well dealt with, in the end. Well, the African champions cannot

get off to a winning start. It is a very big point for Iran. In their

World Cup history. The Nigerian supporters are booing. Already, in

Group F, Stephen Keshi's team have an uphill task to try to get out of

this section. Carlos Queiroz's plan, in the end, sufficient for Iran. We

had to have a drawer sooner or later and we had to have a 0-0 soon

enough, and it has arrived in Curitiba. But it is a positive

result for Iran. STUDIO: This World Cup had seen the

longest wait for a draw, 12 games, since the 1930 World Cup. Unlucky

13, eight? Iran had more clean sheets than any other nation in

qualifying, and Nigeria were the lowest scorers so we should not be

surprised. Iran can take satisfaction from their first clean

sheet at a World Cup. But Nigeria have no victories in nine games at

the tournament, the longest streak of any side in Brazil. Today's

result keeps Argentina top of the group with Bosnia bottom. I suppose

we were due a bit of a dud? We were. It is knows a bright but before the

game, both teams tight defensively. I was disappointed with Nigeria. I

thought they liked so much quality. I know they are a young team and

Stephen Keshi is trying to rebuild from the golden generation they had

in the 90s but I was disappointed with the final product tonight.

There were so few genuine goal-scoring opportunities. The

decision-making in the final third, when Nigeria got there, was poor.

They made the wrong choices and the quality of the ball into the box and

the front men was very bad. They did not play to their strengths. It was

disappointing to see. It is the first booing we have had as well, as

we finished. It is disappointing but we have had a good start to the

tournament. You need one sometimes. There was a real lack of quality in

the game generally. I thought both teams were poor. You can understand

it with Iran but I've got to congratulate them on their point.

I'm sure Carlos Queiroz will be very proud. The one saving grace for

Nigeria is maybe they are better at counterattacking. They had to try to

break a team down today and it looked like they did not have the

quality. Against Bosnia and Argentina, you will imagine they

will have more of the ball and it might suit Nigeria are bit better.

But they will have to pass the ball a lot quicker and better than they

did today. Really, they had two half chances, Ameobi headers. It was the

first time they got someone in the box, properly, to attack the ball.

And it was put in there. It was not whipped in and hit the front man.

The first decent move of the game. Yes, quick play, one and two touch,

into the danger areas out wide, into the danger area of the box and

Ameobi will attack the ball in the right areas. It was not a great

header but he made himself available and tried to get across defender.

When they brought on Ameobi, this is John Obi Mikel, we spoke at

half-time about the slowness in the Nigerian play. John Obi Mikel is the

most experienced player and he summed it up, how slow he played.

They brought Ameobi on for Victor Moses and I thought they would be

direct straight away. When they did, twice, Ameobi nearly got on the end

of it. The substitutes, Ameobi and Odemwingie, added a spark but that

would not have been hard, given the previous 70 minutes. And Emenike,

who I tipped to be a star, Kiss of death again, had an absolute

stinker. John Obi Mikel, we showed a clip in the middle, although we did

not expect it. You have got a more details look at him. It was

laborious at times. Yes, slow and laboured. For such an experienced

player, in a game like this, when you get so many people behind the

ball, you need to be passing quickly. Six seconds on the ball,

but Iran get back into shape. Did not even look to get forward, passes

back again. This sums it up, when he gets the ball back and he should be

looking to play forward -- he is looking to play forward but it is

the wrong time because Iran are back in shape. He did this, not on one

occasion but maybe ten occasions in the game. You have to remember, this

is the game they should have wanted to go out and win. The next two

games will be difficult with better opposition. You would have thought

there would be more urgency in their play. That is just speculative, no

real opportunity to score. You have got bodies in front of you. It is

disappointing. He is an experienced player, played in huge

disappointing. He is an experienced player, played in games for Chelsea

titles and you would expect him to have a bit more drive and verve. The

real winners are Bosnia, really. Exactly. They will look at this game

and fancy their chances against both of these teams. They have played the

best team in the group, and now they can lick their lips in anticipation

for the next two games. I'm not sure Ambrose has benefited too much from

your coaching. You can see why I play him at centre-half! I think he

plays right back because they want a well structured defence. But he does

not have the crossing technique. He's very good at this, looking for

the short pass but he cannot cross. He does not have the technique. He

has what we call a curly toe. You want it straight but it tends to

deviate and die at the end. He has got one of them. That is a

magnificent ball to nobody. He has not even looked up. He's just trying

to hit an area. This is the thing, they are getting in the final third

and this is when the decision-making needs to be on point. Passes the

ball and it's bad, out of play. It summed them up, no quality and no

quality in the final third. Is in some way, Iran had the game. Yes,

you we go. Ghoochannejhad with a good header. Nice header, the keeper

was on his toes, high levels of concentration. Even though he did

not have much of the ball, you could argue that Iran had probably the

better of the chances in this game. -- they did not have. In games like

this, you think you are in control and you are going to the goal and

you can come unstuck with a chance like this. Maybe his timing was off.

He could have got up at the right time, got a header on goal and who

knows what can happen? The ball came off at a crazy angle as well. We can

hear from Carlos Queiroz now. The first time Iran have a point in the

opening game of the World Cup. I'm very happy but it was very

difficult. We played against a great team. It was necessary to lay a

realistic game. But I think we did well. We fought for everything, for

every ball, every space. We played for 90 minutes with one thing in our

mind, the first opportunity to try to score. It was a game that I need

to praise my players. They deserve to be congratulated. Mission

accomplished? The most important thing is that everything is open for

us. More than happy with that result. Jan versus USA kicks off at

11 p.m.. The African team are in good voice. -- Ghana.

Safe to say they did not watch Nigeria versus Iran. We can hear

from the former German World Cup winner. Stronger and stronger every

year. The domestic league which is so important is just improving. On

top of that we have got players in Europe who play in very good leaks.

They have got tremendous quality and experience. It is a good mix of men.

It is versatile. You have got players from different backgrounds

but we have got very good chemistry. It is a huge game. It is six a

pointer. You have to start on the right foot. Especially if you've got

a group like we have. We want to make sure we are spot on. We need to

beat them to continue on the path to Germany. We have got a lot of

respect for them because they are a good team and they have beat in the

USA in previous World Cups. We want to play against the top teams in the

world. He generally plays positive, attacking football. We can expect an

exciting game? He will be licking his lips to finished second in the

group after Portugal this afternoon. He loves to attack. That is how he

plays his game. It is a tough group with the other two sides. If they

had been sitting at home watching that game they will be thinking to

themselves, we can get at Portugal. They have lost their best

centre-half, Pepe. They are capable of beating big teams and they could

spring a surprise. They came so close last Ghana time,. They were

almost there before and they could believe that they can do it. Do the

USA have got strength and depth to challenge? It is a very difficult

group to come out of. I am looking forward to seeing him come up

against Germany. He changed the face of German football in the middle

part of the decade. USA depth, I am not sure. Dan Blocker tool does at

half-time about different ways that people can behave on social media,

having different opinions. Some players have got involved and we

have got some examples. This is the Arsenal striker with a

picture with the German Chancellor. And Mario Balotelli has filled a

World Cup sticker album all of pictures with himself.

He got a good self of humour. He is not self indulgent at all, is he? I

loved social media until about 24 hours ago. People want to be closer

to the players and that is what Twitter does to you. It is really

the first social media World Cup. It does bring players closer to the

public. That is why I got involved with it. I wanted to be able to

touch the players when I was a kid. What do you do when you finish a

game? He was probably having our side in that picture. You get to see

personalities and the humour that she did not get to see in the

context of a press Conference or a serious interview. You need to be

careful as Celtic manager? I was on Twitter for a while but I decided to

give it up. I needed to concentrate on my job plus it was a bit abusive.

We will be back shortly with an all-star cast. The Black stars

against the Stars Stripes.