Iran and Argentina are polar opposites when it comes to the World Cup.

Argentina is one of the greatest teams in World Cup soccer history, having won two World Cups (1978, 1986) and made it to the finals four times. Iran, on the other hand, has barely broken the surface of World Cup success. Iran only has one World Cup victory, which came in 1998 against (you guessed it) Team USA in group play.

This is the first time these two will play one another in the World Cup.So, who has the edge? Let's find out: 

Iran                              

Team Iran enters this World Cup ranked No. 43 overall and their head coach is Carlos Queiroz. Javad Nekounam, the team captain, leads a very good middle field with Andranik Teymourian who control the ball well. Iran's weakness is in goal. None of their three goalkeepers have started in a previous World Cup before. Jalal Hosseini is the best player on this unproven defense. Despite the lack of confidence by many defensively, Iran didn't allow a goal to Nigeria in their opener.

Iran is going to need to pick up the offense if they're going to pull off the upset against Alegria. It's extremely unlikely they will tie 0-0 yet again. Coach Queiroz has chosen to go with just two starting forwards, Karim Ansarifard and Reza Ghoochannejhad. It's a risky decision because of the lack of shots, but it stresses defense. We'll see if it pays off.

Argentina

The Argentine team comes in as big favorites as the No. 5 overall team in the world. The love for soccer runs as deep in Argentina as anywhere in the planet, so it's championship or bust. Argentina is by far the best team in this group and needs to send a message to rest of the world that they are the best by sweeping every team in group play.

This year's team is very balanced starting with the offense. The team captain, Lionel Messi, is playing in his third World Cup and he is one of the best scorers in the world. Look for him to light the lamp. Sergio Aguero is playing in his second World Cup and he has made quite a name for himself while playing at Manchester City. If there is a weakness in this team, it's defense. A very young and inexperienced squad will face Iran, but that should bring many problems considering Iran's offensive game play.

Date, Game Time, Where to Watch

These two teams will play at the Estádio Mineirão in Horizonte in front of 60,000 fans. The game will begin at 12 p.m. EST Saturday on ESPN. 

Prediction

Iran has many good qualities starting with coaching and middle field play. However, Argentina knows they can't lose this game with the unbelievable pressure that surrounds them. Argentina wins 3-1.

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