Curitiba (Brazil), June 17: Iran and Nigeria played out a scoreless draw at Arena da Baixada here on Monday. This was the first drawn game of the 2014 Fifa World Cup.

Both teams looked for a win to have a realistic chance of making it to the second round from Group F which also features two-time champions Argentina and the spirited Bosnia and Herzegovina, who have made their World Cup debut this year.

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But neither side could score any goal. The Nigerians, who made a spectacular debut in 1994, made some early attacks but couldn't convert in the face of a strong Iranian attack. The Super Eagles, ranked 45 in Fifa's list, gradually faded and the Iranians began to pose more threats.

The African side even netted a ball after just seven minutes but it was turned down as Ecuadorian referee Carlos Vera felt the Iranian goalkeeper had been fouled.

The draw meant Nigeria remain without a win in the World Cup for 9 matches now

Iran almost made the inroads when Reza Ghoochannejad connected a corner from Ashkan Dejagah with his head but failed to beat the goalkeeper. The Asians, ranked two places higher than the Nigerians, played with more command in the second half and created some anxious moments in the opponents' defence.

The draw gives one points each to Iran and Nigeria . On June 21, Iran will take on group leaders Argentina while Nigeria will face Bosnia and Herzegovina who are yet to open their account.

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