WINNING TIP AS NIGERIA PREPARES FOR THE FIRST GAME AGAINST IRAN.

First Game to be played in Curitiba means the team would be playing in a cold climate in June, which would have a capacity of 42,000 attendants. Iran the first team to be played is relatively unknown, but here are a few stats to get the team handlers working:

Iran may not necessarily be an Asian power on the level of Japan, South Korea or Australia, but they certainly matched the confederation’s power trio en route to booking their place in Brazil.

For the fourth time in their history, the Iranians are set to compete on the sport's biggest stage, and should be encouraged by the fact that they lost just two games during the World Cup qualifying.

Despite their presence within Asia, Iran has so far been unable to progress beyond the group phase at the FIFA World Cup. They finished their debut campaign with a point, courtesy of a 1-1 draw against Scotland. There was a memorable 2-1 defeat of USA in their second appearance boasting a golden generation of the likes of Ali-Daei , Karim Bagheri. The last participation at Germany 2006 saw them head home with a point after a 1-1 draw against Angola.

COACH:

Carlos Queiroz who is a volatile 60-year-old Portuguese has struggled to win over fans in his two-and-a-half year stint in charge. His contract runs until the World Cup. The former Portugal and Real Madrid head coach, who has also had two spells as Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United, has built on the defensive displays and improved ball retention making Iran a more potent attacking threat.

STAR PLAYERS:

Their star man is their central midfielder Javad Nekouam, who has been the heartbeat of the Iranian midfield for over a decade with over 130 caps.
Composed on the ball with a strong passing game, Nehounam is the fulcrum of the Iranian team in his number six shirt and anchors the midfield from where he instigates dangerous counter-attacks.

He is also a set-piece specialist and was Iran’s top scorer in the qualifiers with a number of penalties and free kicks. The 33-year-old captain spent six years in La Liga with Osasuna before returning to Iran Eseghlal lasy tear, helping them to the Pro league title this year and the semifinals of the AFC Champions League.



PLAYERS FORMATION:

Iran usually plays in the 4-2-3-1 formation

Iran players:
Ahmadi
Montazeri
Sadeghi
Heydari
Hajsafi
Nekounan
Teymourian
Shojaei
Dejagah
Khalatbari
Ghoochannejhad


This formation can be exploited by making Javad Nekouam not able to get the balls into the penalty area, effectively curtailing the ability to distribute the balls. The lone striker upfront should not get as many balls in the penalty area, making him effectively ineffective. When he is not able to deliver the balls effectively , they would result to throwing longs balls from the left and right full backs , this can also be negated by closing down the left and right full backs as soon as possible.

The best way of beating a formation like this is to play a 4-2-3-1 also, but another way to deal with this is to forge a midfield diamond allowing you to control the central areas quite easily. This enables you to pass the ball and play between the lines of back four as well as midfield and attack. The key to doing this successfully is moving the ball quickly and keeping a high tempo. The full backs are also needed if it is going to be successful, but be mindful of overcommitting and getting too many players ahead of the ball. The diamond needs a mixture of players who can defend and attack, someone with pace and creativity that can get between the central forward when the ball is coming in from the out wide. Defend effectively against set-pieces.

Nigeria has also played Iran before at the Carlsberg Cup of 1988, where Nigeria won by a lone goal after Iran missed a lot of chances to score this is one point to be exploited as the team takes all the chances that come begging.

Taking all Chances is the key to getting a convincing first WIN.

MORE WINNING TIPS COMING.

Feludu Daniel
Network Consultant and writer.