Argentina once again required heroics from their talisman Lionel Messi as the forward scored an injury-time winner to secure qualification from World Cup Group F and break the hearts of Iran in a late 1-0 triumph.
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Having inspired his side to victory following a below-par performance in their opening fixture against Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Barcelona player curled home the decisive goal of a match in which Iran did enough to take all three points themselves.
Both goalkeepers looked to be unbeatable as Sergio Aguero had Argentina's best chance and Reza Ghoochannejhad came close on more than one occasion for Iran, who also saw a strong penalty claim turned down in Belo Horizonte
Germany striker Miroslav Klose's second-half equaliser made him the joint-leading goalscorer in World Cup matches as his side recorded a 2-2 draw against Ghana in Group G.
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Mario Gotze's header five minutes after the break handed Germany the lead before Andre Ayew and then Asamoah Gyan turned the game round for the Africans as they looked to cause an upset.
However, Klose struck with 20 minutes remaining to put the Germans top of the group ahead of Sunday's clash between the United States and Portugal.
The 36-year-old Lazio forward joined Brazil's Ronaldo at the top of the finals scoring charts with 15 goals in his 20th World Cup match.
Bosnia-Herzegovina will not progress beyond the group stage of the 2014 World Cup after they were beaten 1-0 by Nigeria in Cuiaba.
Peter Odemwingie's first-half goal was the difference between the sides, as Nigeria reached four points in Group F ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Argentina, who have already qualified for the knockout stages.
Bosnia-Herzegovina had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half, despite replays showing Edin Dzeko, who finished beyond goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama smartly, in an onside position when played through.
The controversy continued when Nigeria took the lead on 29 minutes. Emmanuel Emenike sprinted down the right channel and Bosnia-Herzegovina thought he had fouled Emir Spahic, but the referee allowed play to go on and Odemwingie slotted home from the assist.
Bosnia-Herzegovina struggled to mount any pressure on Nigeria's goal in the second half, and instead Emenike almost doubled his nation's lead only to be denied by goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, before Edin Dzeko saw a late shot strike the woodwork.