It had to happen eventually: Iran and Nigeria produced the first tie of the 2014 World Cup.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria dominated possession -- 73 percent to 27 percent -- but could not break through against a resolute Iran defense as the teams battled to a 0-0 draw at Arena da Baixada in Curitba on Monday.
"There are ties in soccer that are often exciting and entertaining," a seemingly apologetic ESPN analyst and former U.S. soccer player Alexi Lalas said immediately following the match. "This was not one of them."
Advertisement
With a point from their opening match, both teams are tied for second place in Group F. Argentina sits atop the group after its opening triumph over Bosnia-Herzegovina.