Iran, Nigeria Battle Through The First Tie At The 2014 World Cup (PHOTOS)

Iran, Nigeria Battle Through The First Tie At The 2014 World Cup
CURITIBA, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: Javad Nekounam of Iran competes for the ball with Emmanuel Emenike of Nigeria during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Iran and Nigeria at Arena da Baixada on June 16, 2014 in Curitiba, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
CURITIBA, BRAZIL - JUNE 16: Javad Nekounam of Iran competes for the ball with Emmanuel Emenike of Nigeria during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group F match between Iran and Nigeria at Arena da Baixada on June 16, 2014 in Curitiba, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

It had to happen eventually: Iran and Nigeria produced the first tie of the 2014 World Cup.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria dominated possession -- 73 percent to 27 percent -- but could not break through against a resolute Iran defense as the teams battled to a 0-0 draw at Arena da Baixada in Curitba on Monday.

"There are ties in soccer that are often exciting and entertaining," a seemingly apologetic ESPN analyst and former U.S. soccer player Alexi Lalas said immediately following the match. "This was not one of them."

With a point from their opening match, both teams are tied for second place in Group F. Argentina sits atop the group after its opening triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

group f

Before You Go

FBL-WC-2014-MATCH12-IRI-NGR

Nigeria vs Iran 6/16/14

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot