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Playmaker, captain, penalty taker and free-kick specialist, Javad Nekounam has a wealth of experience to draw on, having made more than 130 appearances for the three-times Asian champions since making his debut 14 years ago.

His abilities have not faltered with age as his six goals in the Asian qualifiers proved, with Iran topping their groups in both the third and fourth rounds to reach Brazil.

Composed on the ball with a strong passing game, Nekounam is the fulcrum of the Iranian team in his number six shirt and anchors the midfield from where he instigates swift counter-attacks.

The 33 year old will need to be at his best, anchoring the defensive effort alongside Andranik Teymourian against a likely barrage of attacks.

He should get more of a chance to show his attacking threat in the opening match of their Brazilian campaign against Nigeria in Curitiba on June 16.

They then face Argentina, before facing Bosnia in their Group F finale with any hope of the team adding to their sole victory in the finals against old political foes the United States in 1998, resting on a strong showing from their skipper.