Argentina will look to make it two wins out of two tomorrow evening as Sabella's side are facing a stern Iran side, managed by Carlos Queiroz. Argentina claimed a 2-1 victory over Bosnia in their opening game whilst Iran and Nigeria played out to a goalless draw.
Despite an improved second-half capped with a trademark Lionel Messi goal, Argentina were not overly convincing against Bosnia, who held their own for stages during the game. The array of attacking talent that Argentina deployed did not explode to life into this game or even threaten to score the amount of goals some would have expected. Sabella deployed his Argentinian side in a 5-3-2 formation which proved entirely ineffective. Messi and Aguero failed to have any influence on the game in the first half, whilst Angel Di Maria struggled to replicate the form he has shown at Real Madrid during the past season. However, a tactical tweak saw Argentina spring to life, but improvements are certainly needed if Argentina are to be considered as one of the front runners for the tournament.
Iran made their return to football's elite competition after an eight year absence against Nigeria in their opening game, last Monday evening. On paper, it wasn't a game that many would have predicted to be a thriller, although some had faith in the fixture given the surprises the tournament had churned up so far. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. For entertainment value, the fixture between both sides was arguably the worst game in the World Cup so far. However, the point that both sides took from the game could prove vital in their hopes of progressing out of the groups. Whilst Nigeria failed to create many clear-cut chances, Iran's defending proved pivotal in the outcome of this game with a solid display. Iran's qualificaiton to the tournament was built on a strong, resilient back-line, which Queiroz looked to propel into the World Cup. Argentina will have to be patient when breaking down Iran's defence, but Iran wouldn't be expected to trouble Argentina at the other end of the pitch as they too failed to impress in transition from defence to attack.
There are no fresh injury concerns for Alejandro Sabella going into this fixture which could seal qualification for Argentina early. Argentina welcome back Rodrigo Palacio to their attack, which only adds further strength to arguably their strongest department on the pitch. Iran meanwhile have lost a player in their attacking department, as Sardar Azmoun is not expected to recover in time for a knock he picked up against Nigeria on Monday evening.
Argentina will be expected to win this game, but Iranians will go into this match-up with hope that they can get a result, if not pull off a shock win against far superior opponents. The outcome of this game will prove pivotal in either sides World Cup campaign, especially if there is to be a winner.