Iran and Nigeria are set to play on Monday with both teams attempting to stake a claim for the second qualifying spot in Group F.

Neither of the two underdog squads in Group F has won a World Cup game since 1998, despite being featured in three tournaments since then, according to BBC Sports. A victory in this opening match would give them an outside chance of sneaking into the knockout.

CLICK HERE to watch the game online via WatchESPN. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, but coverage will begin at 2:30 p.m.

The last time Nigeria made it out of the group stage was in the 1998 World Cup tournament. They lost round 16 for the second straight tournament. Iran's national soccer team has never made it past the group stage of the competition, according to MLSSoccer.com.

Iran's main focus in preparing for the soccer tournament has been on defensive organization, with their Carlos Queiroz "drilling his team into a very disciplined unit," SB Nation reported.

Nigeria may have the better squad. But despite having "enough firepower to cause Iran damage," they will have to work hard to create space and goalscoring opportunities.

Stephen Keshi, coach of Nigeria's national soccer team, admitted to FIFA.com that he did not know Iran very well except that they have "a very good coach."

"I think an experienced coach is their biggest weapon, because he's well experienced, he knows the game well," Keshi said. "For the Iran game we have to be focused. We have to concentrate and do our job. We're not going to take Iran lightly because they're not going to take us lightly. So we have to go out with everything that we have."

According to Weather.com, the city of Curitiba is expected to hover around the low 60s with mostly clear skies.

The head referee will be Carlos Vera. Two fellow Ecuadorians and one Colombian will serve as his three assistants.