Assistant coach of Iran’s national team, Oceano Cruz has predicted defeat for African champions, Nigeria when both nations square up in the second Group F game at the 2014 Fifa World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Super Eagles and Team Melli will go head-to-head at the Arena da Baixada, Curitiba on 16 June and Oceano, an extremely important member of Iran’s coaching staff, has voiced his sentiments about the potentially decisive fixture.
Team Melli have been in fine fettle as their preparations for the 2014 World Cup finals continued with an impressive 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in their last tune-up game.
Carlos Queiroz’s side had been on a four-match winless run before Sunday’s friendly victory in Sao Paulo and Oceano says they have now turned their
attentions to the upcoming fixture against the Super Eagles.
“It was a game that has fulfilled our expectations,” Cruz told Globoesporte.
He added that their thoughts are now fully on their opening game of the World Cup against the talented Super Eagles.
“We are preparing for the first match against Nigeria. Our only concern is Nigeria at the moment.
“Victory is always important to create a culture of winning. This only happens with results like this,” he said.
Group F of the 2014 FIFA World Cup is comprised of Nigeria, Iran, Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina.