Two nations chasing World Cup glory will do battle today in a match between Iran and Nigeria. The 2014 World Cup group-stage match scheduled for 3 p.m. ET will be held at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba and can be live streamed here free. A free Spanish language stream of the match can be found here. Free radio coverage can be found here. Additional TV coverage can be found on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
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Nigeria enters today's match with the pressures of representing the African continent. The 2013 African Cup of Nations champions are expected to do well in Group F, but midfielder John Obi Mikel isn't concerned with expectations nor pressures. The Chelsea man just wants to have a great run in Brazil.
"This is my first World Cup. I want to make sure we achieve something coming here. We don't just want to come and make up the numbers. We want to do well," Mikel said (via FIFA). "I have to make sure I lead by example. We are all driving in the same direction. We all know what we want and hopefully we will have a good tournament," he added.
"We know we're the African champions and people expect us to do well, to represent the African continent. That's a bit more extra pressure, but it's pressure that we love. We love to be African champions."
Will Nigeria take the proper step toward being world champions with a win over Iran? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Peter Odemwingie is just one of the many Nigerian footballers that ply their trade in the English Premier League. The 32-year-old made 15 league appearances for Stoke City last season, scoring five goals and adding an assist. His ability to push the ball on the wing will be vital for Nigeria's success.
Iran's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Davari; Hajsafi, Montazeri, Hosseini, Heydari; Jahanbakhsh, Teymourian, Nekounam, Dejagah; Shojaei, Ghoochannejhad
Nigeria's Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Enyeama; Elderson, Oboabona, Omeruo, Ambrose; Onazi, Mikel; Moses, Musa, Odemwingie; Emenike
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored)
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