Football Results

First match of the third round in the Group B brings us a showdown in the race toward the round of 16. In first two matches Iran won Morocco and lost to Spain, while the Portuguese also won Morocco and drew with the Spaniards. It means that victory grants a place in the knockout phase to any of the two teams, although due to having one point more a draw would suit the Portuguese too. Let’s add that Iran and Portugal met in the group phase of the 2006 World Cup in Germany and then Portugal won 2-0.

Iran

Now, the Iranians have chance to revenge in the best possible way as if they win they would eliminate the Portuguese from the World Cup, which would be one of biggest sensations of this tournament. Before that Iran lost 1-0 to another great favourite Spain, and now they have to show more courage against Portugal if they want to defeat the reigning champion of Europe. Their manager Queiroz is very much aware of that, who is Portuguese himself and is familiar with mentality of his compatriots, so his knowledge could be a card up the Iranians sleeve.

We need to add that the Iranians won their only victory at the World Cup in Russia thanks to large dose of luck as they scored the winning goal against Morocco only in 95 minute, or more precisely after a set piece Moroccan forward Bouhaddouz had unluckily change direction of the ball towards Morocco’s goal. Before that the Iranians were subordinate team and they based their tactic on strong defence and fast counter-attacks, just like they did against Spain, although they received one goal which was enough to lose. Now against Portugal, they have to play riskier as only victory can take them to the knockout phase. We need to add that stopper Cheshmi is still out of action due to injury.

Probable lineups Iran: Beiranvand – Rezaeian, Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Hajsafi – Ebrahimi, Ezatolahi – Jahanbakhsh, Ansarifard, Amiri – Azmoun

Portugal

Match with Iran comes for Portugal after it won four points in first two rounds, exactly how much Spain has, so now it needs a draw to reach the knockout phase, while if Portugal wins it could compete for the first place in the Group B, which of course also depends from outcome of match between Spain and written-off Morocco. On the other hand, their rival Iran is also in the race to reach the round of 16 given it has three points, but in order to qualify for the knockout phase Iran must defeat Portugal. That will open more room for Ronaldo and teammates than they had against Morocco, which they defeated by mere 1-0 in the second round.

Before that they faced Spain and they showed too many oscillations in their game, but thanks to Ronaldo who had a hat trick they managed to pull off a draw, despite having lead twice of 1-0 and 2-1. The Spaniards equalised two times and were on verge of great victory but in 88 minute Ronaldo scored from direct free kick for the final 3-3. Ronalod was scorer of the only goal against Morocco and is currently the best scorer of the World Cup with four goals, which indicates that now against Iran all Portugal hopes will hang on him. Let’s add that manager Santos should send a similar team on the pitch like he did in two previous rounds as he has no problems with injuries or suspensions.

Probable lineups Portugal: Rui Patricio – Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro – B. Silva, Moutinho, W. Carvalho, Martins – Ronaldo, Guedes

Verdict:

Regardless that the Iranians still have chance to reach the round of 16, for which they need to win this match, we believe that reigning champions of Europe, who have super-star Ronaldo, will win for the second time in a row at the World Cup, especially as goal-difference between them and Spain will probably decide the group winner.

Pick: Portugal wins 1.75 - 75/100 @1XBet