It’s another big World Cup day with Ghana trying to keep their World Cup hopes alive against many people’s favourites, Germany, before Nigeria try to recover from being involved in the most boring game opf the tournament against Edin Dzeko’s Bosnia. But first, it’s Iran versus Lionel Mes… I mean Argentina!
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Let’s do this!
Hello and welcome to our World Cup hangout. We’ll be looking at all the news on this, the tenth day of the World Cup, while focusing closely on the game that’s just kicked off — Argentina v Iran.
Can the Iranians cause what might just be the biggest upset in World Cup history? No one in TheScore.ie office is particularly confident they can, judging by our predictions.
Niall: 6-0 Argentina
Me: 3-0 Argentina
Eamon: 2-0 Argentina
Pat: 4-0 Argentina
So does anyone out there think Iran have a hope in hell of getting even a point?
As Argentina attempt to navigate a wall of 11 Iranian players, some reading material for you…
Click here for 6 reasons why England failed at the World Cup. Here’s a sample of one:
“The team’s sloppiness was conspicuous against Italy — time and again, Wayne Rooney allowed the opposition full-back Matteo Darmian to make his customary overlapping runs unchallenged, one of which led to the corner that created the first goal. Furthermore, when Danny Welbeck was switched to the left wing to ostensibly shore up this area, he repeated the errors of his colleague, with the second goal predictably coming from the flanks after the United man left Leighton Baines two-on-one with the Italian attackers.”
Also, Wayne Rooney has acceded to Henry Winter’s demand and issued an apology, which can be read here.
Diego Maradona and his partner are in attendance.
They tell me this lad was a half-decent player once. Meanwhile, an unnamed member of TheScore.ie office has accused him of giving off a ‘Mickey Rourke’ circa The Wrestler vibe.
Meanwhile, in Brazil…
A debate has erupted in TheScore.ie office, and so we thought you might help us solve it.
Who are the worst team at this year’s World Cup?
We’re thinking Iran, Honduras and erm, Spain… Any other suggestions?
Overheard in the office: “I think we should ban these 5 o’clock games.”
Yup, safe to say Argentina v Iran hasn’t been overly exciting so far…
While we’re waiting for Argentina v Iran to ignite like we all know it will, right? RIGHT?
Here’s a very scientific list of our top three favourite Aprés Matches so far.
3. Sky Sports News
2. Roy Keane
1. Eamon Dunphy’s apology
He makes a fair point. It’s not Argentina’s fault that they’ve come up against the most determinedly boring team in the World Cup…
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HALF-TIME: ARGENTINA 0-0 IRAN
Where are Sky Sports when you need them to reassure us that we were in fact watching a FANTASTIC game of football?
Of course, this is (thankfully) not the only game taking place today.
Our man in Brazil, Mikey Stafford, will be at Germany v Ghana later.
Below is a sample of his preview piece, all of which can be read in full here.
“With statistically most physically draining group games of any of the 32 teams in Brazil, Germany would dearly love to smooth their transition to the second round with a win on Saturday night. Their destruction of Portugal should inspire confidence but then, Die Mannschaft have a history of making things difficult for themselves.”
Some quick-thinking from the Iran captain prior to kick-off has ensured he’ll be going home with Lionel Messi’s jersey tonight.
Somewhere Roy Keane is snarling…
Meanwhile, John Giles is impressed with Iran’s defence. Less so Richie Sadlier with Argentina…
Martin O’Neill was in great form last night. Here he is joshing with Vieira and Cannavaro…
There were shades of this equally legendary moment from the 98 World Cup…
And speaking of the Ireland manager, here he is earlier being photobombed by some random lad, who is presumably from Cavan…
Richie Sadlier says a draw with Argentina would be “beyond Iran’s wildest dreams”.
They must have some fairly boring dreams if that’s the case.
Anyway, the second half has begun!
BREAKING! Iran have almost scored (seriously).
Reza’s header on the counter was well saved by Romero.
The little genius, Lionel Messi, has just shaved the post with a good effort, as Argentina continue to knock on the door.
And speaking of Messi, here is the Iran player asking for his jersey in all its vine-y glory.
Ireland’s Shane Duffy changing the goalposts ever so slightly.
Before kick-off…
Now…
Incredibly, Iran have almost scored again, with Ashkan Dejagah’s header forcing a fantastic save from Romero.
The more I watch this game, the more I’m reminded of this…
Meanwhile, Ashkan Dejagah is doing his best Roy-Keane-v-Holland-in-2001 impression with a phenomenal display.
Way harsh!
And just in case you thought the protests had gone away…
Twominutes to go, and it’s still Iran 0-0 Argentina.
Wasn’t me who said they were one of the worst teams in the competition.
Meanwhile, they’ve just forced another good save from the Argentina goalkeeper. On the balance of play, they could easily be winning this game.
Congrats again to Ciaran Behan who won our Sony Xperia Z1 Compact smartphone yesterday. We’ll have more prizes over the next few days, thanks to our friends at Budweiser.
UNBELIEVABLE SCENES AS LIONEL MESSI BREAKS IRANIAN HEARTS WITH A SUBLIME STRIKE (sorry for shouting, I’m a little over-excited).
Do you agree?
FULL-TIME: ARGENTINA 1-0 IRAN
Here’s a look at that moment of genius from Messi!
Rihanna has truly outdone herself this time!
“It is magical what he does!”
John Giles describes Messi’s wizardry with such conviction that you’d struggle to doubt him.
Lol!
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Right, that’s all folks! Thanks for reading and commenting.
We’ll be liveblogging Ghana v Germany later, so be sure to join us for that.
