Iran and Nigeria played out a scoreless draw Monday in both teams’ opening match at the FIFA World Cup at the Arena de Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil.
Chances were scarce due in part to Iran’s defensive discipline and Nigeria’s inability to turn possession into goals. Both teams came close with headers, however, with Iran clearing a chance off their line in second-half stoppage time to preserve a point.
The draw was the first at this World Cup after the previous 12 matches each produced a winner.
While Iran will likely be happier with the result, both teams have work to do in Group F. Up next for Nigeria is a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday in what could be a showdown for second place in the group. Bosnia-Herzegovina lost to Argentina on Sunday in the group opener.
Iran, meanwhile, will face group favourites Argentina the same day. Against Lionel Messi and company, Carlos Queiroz’s side will almost certainly attempt similar tactics in search of another hard-fought result.
But as various commentators noted on Twitter, Monday’s match was far from entertaining:
Neither team scored in a first half of few opportunities, and although Nigeria dominated possession, Iran had the best opportunity to take the lead before half-time. Ashkan Dejagah set up the chance, crossing to Reza Ghoochanneijhad in the 34th minute. The Charlton striker connected well with his close-range header, but Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama saved.
After a fruitless first half, Nigeria continued to dominate possession after the break. Shola Ameobi had a good chance to break the deadlock in the 71st minute, but his header from Peter Odemwingie’s cross went just wide of the post.
Odemwingie then came close with a powerful volley in the 82nd minute, but his effort was off target—and the referee had already whistled for offside anyway.
The Super Eagles had one more good chance in stoppage time as Ameobi directed a powerful header on goal from a corner. But defender Mehrdad Pooladi headed off the line to preserve the draw for Iran.