Iran v Nigeria World Cup 2014, 16th June Betting Preview
These two are likely to be making up the numbers in Group F behind Argentina and Bosnia most likely. For each of them, this is their most winnable match in the group, so it will be interesting to see how these two come out and deal with this situation. They will probably just have a go at this, in what is probably a battle for the wooden spoon.
Iran v Nigeria Betting Tips
The African nation will be favourites for this one but it will probably surprise many that the Super Eagles aren’t as overwhelming favourites that they may have been. Nigeria are winless in their last eight World Cup games (D2 L6) and it is the longest drought of all the 32 teams taking part in this year’s competition. The two sides have only met the once before, that was a friendly back in 1998 which the Super Eagles won 1-0. Nigeria scored just the three goals at the last World Cup and all of them were from a set piece. On the opposite end of things, more than half of the World Cup goals which they have conceded have come from set plays.
Nigeria weren’t in great winning form ahead of the World Cup, although they have only lost one of their last six (W1 D4 L1). In their last five they have taken four draws (against Greece, Scotland, Mexico and Italy) and they lost against the USA in their final match before heading to Brazil. Tough to see where the goals are going to come from in this one and Emmanuel Emenike, Peter Odemwingie and Shola Ameobi are all 2/1 shots in the anytime goalscorer market. The fact that no-one is shorter priced speaks volumes about their lack of punch up top. This match doesn’t scream goals and therefore going under 2.5 goals is probably the way to swing this.
Iran were the top scorers through the Asian World Cup qualifiers, so they may have something to offer. They are unbeaten in their last six matches, having posted a W3 D3 record. There isn’t a lot of strength going forward for them as they have netted three in their last four. However, defensively they have only conceded just the one goal in their last six matches, which is pretty impressive. Iran have won just one of their nine matches in the World Cup finals, which was against the USA back in 1988, and Carlos Queiroz’s side have never kept a clean sheet in a World Cup match. Could perhaps be value in seeing them sneak a draw against an average Nigeria side.
Iran v Nigeria Betting Odds
Nigeria 5/4, Draw 2/1, Iran 11/4
Online betting site Stan James have a money back special running for the World Cup Round 1 & 2 Group Matches. Stan James will refund First Goalscorer bets if your selection scores second rather than first in a match during the first two rounds of group stage matches. New customers registering an account with Stan James can get up to a free £10 bet as a welcome bonus.
Iran v Nigeria Predictions
It is harder to pick out a winner in this one that it first appears. Nigeria are favourites to edge this though and are probably worth backing. They just have the better options up front, even though it looks as if they may have to work hard to try and break down Iran. Look for a low scoring match.
