The New Zealand national football team All Whites are set to face Iran in their opening World Cup match, with the Iranians looking to take control of their knockout-stage path. Iran handled qualification comfortably, losing just once in 16 Asian qualification games, and are clear favorites to win. However, the New Zealand national football team All Whites will be looking to cause an upset, with Chris Wood leading the attack. The Kiwis have some inexperienced center-backs in their squad, including Finn Surman and Tyler Bindon, who will be tested by Iran's talented attack. Mehdi Taremi is the obvious pick to score for Iran, having netted 10 goals during their qualifying run. The New Zealand national football team All Whites's World Cup warm-up games have shown their limitations, especially a demoralizing 4-0 rout at the hands of Haiti. The Iranians arrive in encouraging form, having thumped Costa Rica 5-0 earlier this year. Iran's experience at the past three World Cups provides another big edge in this matchup. The New Zealand national football team All Whites will have to rely on their steady low block to frustrate Iran's attack. The Iranians will have to do the heavy lifting, but this first outing plays to their strengths. The New Zealand national football team All Whites's back line lacks experience at this level, and they'll be tested early and often. The ease with which Haiti steamrolled Darren Bazeley's squad last Saturday also points to a potentially high-scoring game. While the New Zealand national football team All Whites will gladly defend in numbers, it's worth noting that they racked up 29 goals during their five qualifying contests. Iran's attack poses a real threat in the final third, scoring 2+ goals in eight of their last 11 games. The New Zealand national football team All Whites will be looking to shut down Mehdi Taremi and prevent him from isolating their inexperienced center-backs. The Iranians will be looking to take an early lead and open up the game. The New Zealand national football team All Whites will have to be at their best to get a result against Iran.