Iran and Nigeria played out the first draw of the World Cup so far with a 0-0 result at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba.

Read below for Sports Mole's summary of the players on show.

IRAN

Goal

Alireza Haghighi: Only his sixth cap, and at times, it showed. Seemed nervous when dealing with crosses, and was fortunate with his defence for keeping Nigeria at bay (5/10)

Defence

Khosro Heydari: Was targeted early on and Victor Moses enjoyed some change out of him, but he eventually found his footing (6/10)

Ehsan Hajsafi: A solid performance from the defender. Showed why Iran are known as defensively resolute. (8/10)

Khaled Hosseini: A similar performance alongside Hajsafi. They will have to provide something similar against Argentina if they are to get anything, although the South Americans are different proposition to the Africans. (8/10)

Amir Sadeghi: Played his part throughout, the whole defence were in tune to limit Nigeria. (8/10)

Midfield

Javad Nekounam: Offered little going forward, but was asked to defend and stop the supply from wide and he did that for the majority. (7/10)

Andranik Teymourian: Was the only player to be booked and it was deserved. Couldn't support Dejagah enough going forward, but did his bit to repel Nigeria. (6/10)

Pejman Montazeri: Defended just as much as his teammates, but tried to get forward a little bit more than others. (7/10)

Mehrdad Pooladi: Some excellent defending late on to deny Shola Ameobi twice. Gets a high rating for that work alone. (8/10)

Attack

Reza Ghoochannejhad: The goal threat was forced to feed off scraps but nearly had the winner. He was denied only because of Vincent Enyeama's excellent stop on the cusp of half time. (7/10)

Ashkan Dejagah: Was tasked with supporting Ghoochannejhad, but was unable to do it alone. A difficult ask for the Fulham man. (5/10)

Substitutes

Masoud Shojaei: Didn't get long enough to make an impact. (5/10)

Alireza Jahanbakhsh: Replaced Dejagah but was also unable to influence proceedings in a tough role. (5/10)

NIGERIA

Goal

Vincent Enyeama: A fine goalkeeper, and he proved it once more with a superb stop to deny Ghoochannejhad at the end of the first half. He'd had nothing to do, but kept his concentration when needed. (8/10)

Defence

Efe Ambrose: Showed a lack of quality time and again when asked to provide support from wide positions. His crosses were repeatedly below par. (5/10)

Juwon Oshaniwa: Did well in parts, some nice play going forward, but was strong when called upon at the back. (7/10)

Godfrey Oboabona: Was forced to withdraw early on with an ankle injury. (5/10)

Kenneth Omeruo: An assured display at the back. Was rarely threatened and was cool in possession. (7/10)

Midfield

John Obi Mikel: Neat and tidy in possession, but needed more against a team who ply their trade several levels below the long-serving Chelsea midfielder. Seemed content to play short, easy passes without trying to hurt Iran. (5/10)

Ogenyi Onazi: One or two things he tried didn't come off, but he was willing to try to make things happen more than most. (6/10)

Ramon Azeez: Enthusiastic display, but lacked quality at times. A contender for worst corner of the tournament in the second half. (5/10)

Ahmed Musa: Bright first half, but faded somewhat in the second. Earned the Man of the Match award based on his first-half willingness to try to make things happen. (8/10)

Attack

Victor Moses: Started well in the first few minutes, but trailed off. Was subbed early in the second half and he was visibly disappointed. (5/10)

Emmaneul Emenike: All too often tried to make things happen out wide instead of staying central. Powerful runner and willing, but lacked quality, much like the rest of his team. (7/10)

Substitutes

Peter Odemwingie: Tried to make things happen for Nigeria. Should be in from the start against Bosnia. (7/10)

Shola Ameobi: Was denied a goal with a good clearance late on. Did okay when he arrived on the scene. (7/10)

Joseph Yobo Decent display when he came on early. Settled in well. (6/10)

Written by
Paul Gorst