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Argentina vs Iran: World Cup 2014 match preview

A look ahead to Argentina’s clash against Iran at Belo Horizonte

Konstantinos Lianos

Saturday 21 June 2014 17:30 BST

Lionel Messi spoke of his 'big relief' after scoring a superb goal for Argentina against Bosnia-Herzegovina (Getty Images)

Argentina started on the right foot last week against Bosnia-Herzegovina but failed to convince as although they controlled possession, they just got two shots on target while their opponents got six.

Follow Argentina v Iran live here

Although the opposition of Iran is not considered as hard as the Bosnians, the Albiceleste will have to improve if they want to avoid any shockers.

Manager Alejandro Sabella realised that during the first half of their group opener and switched his formation from a 3-5-2 system to a 4-3-3 setup.

Changes are expected to take place at the starting line-up with defensive midfielder Fernando Gago and striker Gonzalo Higuain starting on the pitch.

Sergio Aguero (GETTY IMAGES)

Plenty of responsibility will fall on Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi who is feeling very confident thanks to his impressive goal following a drought of eight World Cup matches.

Iran’s morale is pretty high at the moment as the team managed to keep a clean sheet and gain one point against Nigeria.

Former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to retain the same line-up and formation as last week where much will be expected by the skills and experience of Ashkan Dejagah and Reza Ghoochannejhad.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Show all 22

1/22Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Argentina: Romero 7/10

Saved well from several Bosnian efforts without ever being really tested. Got caught out of position for late Ibisevic goal but played well.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Zabaleta 6

Not at his flying best and got caught out for late Bosnia goal but did fine overall.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Rojo 6

Yellow carded for a bad foul early on and had to be careful from then on, not bad but needs to get better.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Garay 7

In charge of the defence and kept Dzeko quiet, solid at the back.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Fernandez 6

Not a poor performance by any means but lacked that sparkle from full-back.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Campagnaro 4

Very little on offer and rightly removed at half-time.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Rodriguez 4

Substitued at halftime after ineffective first 45.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Mascherano 8

Argentina’s best player in the first half and good throughout second. Solid, strong and even had a couple of half decent efforts at goal

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Aguero 6

Nowhere near his flowing best but good enough to cause problems at times.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Messi 8

Very quiet night for first hour but produced the only real moment of true quality with his quite sublime solo goal to win the match.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Di Maria 6

Some nice flicks and tricks but no real attacking thrust.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Bosnia: Begovic 7

Solid between the posts but helpless for either goal. Looked comfortable throughout and will be important in future games.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Mujdza 6

Did fine without really making any highlights or mistakes.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Kolasinac 6

Very unlucky to have own-goal to his name, helpless for it. Recovered well and played his part in defence after early mistake.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Besic 6

Like all the Bosnian back-four, did well to keep Argentina to relatively little chances, couldn’t get close to Messi for his goal though.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Bicakcic 6

Had a chance right at the death to put a good ball in but looked too tired. Did well in defence for the most part.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Pjanic 7

Played well in attack and got back to help defence throughout, good performance.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Spahic 5

Picked up a yellow card for bad foul but coped OK in midfield.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Hajrovic 8

Had several efforts at goal and was Bosnia’s best player. Needed that slight bit of extra quality to turn his chances into goals but did very well.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Dzeko 5

Tough task as the lone striker and never really had a sniff at goal. Bosnia need him to be better the their next two games.

Getty Images

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Misimovic 5

Busy but ultimately not a major impact on the game.

Argentina 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 player ratings

Lulic 7

Did well up and down the wing and can be happy with his performance. Good pass for Ibisevic’s goal.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5pm

PAST MEETING…

Iran 1 (Sadeghi) Argentina 1 (Bertoni), International Friendly, March 1977

STATS…

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has only scored two World Cup goals

The Albiceleste have won 10 and lost just one of their last 13 World Cup group stage matches. They have scored 26 and only conceded five goals in those fixtures.

Iran have only won once in ten World Cup matches. That took place in 1998 against USA who were beaten with a score of 2-1.

The Iranian Lions mustered their very first clean sheet at the World Cup last week.

ODDS…

Argentina to win: 1.7

Iran to win: 25.1

Draw: 9.1

TV: Live on ITV at 5pm

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