Iran captain Javad Nekounam has declared that the Asians are not scared of confronting their more illustrious opponents - Argentina, Nigeria and Bosnia - at the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

“Iran has been grouped with three strong teams. Argentina, Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina are powerful but we are going to do our best and defend our dignity

“We are not afraid of facing Argentina. They are one the best teams in the world and we will likely lose to them but we are not scared of anyone.

“Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina are strong too,”the 34 - year - old Esteghlal midfielder was quoted as saying by persianfootball.com.

Iran, who topped Asian World Cup qualifying ahead of Korea Republic and Uzbekistan, face African champions Nigeria on June 16 at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba.