After splitting their first two matches of the 2018 World Cup, Iran is now in a bit of do-or-die mode as they take on a Portugal team that picked up what was essentially a Cup-saving win the last time out following their first-match draw. If you’re looking to find out which team is offering the best value in this Group B third-match showdown, then let’s get to my expert World Cup pick.
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TV: FOX
2018 World Cup Odds: Portugal +155 / Iran +180 / Draw +245
“We have to be aggressive, not to allow the opponent to play, we need to win more individual battles, more one-on-one duels and to put our full offensive capacity on display.”
Still, this is the first time that Iran has reached back-to-back World Cups so they’re not looking to bow out easily.
Portugal got past Morocco 1-0 on Wednesday after playing Spain to an exciting 3-3 draw in their opener on June 15. Portugal was a bit fortunate in their second match win with Morocco missing out on several excellent scoring opportunities.
Superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored his fourth goal in two World Cup matches to lead Portugal to the win. He sits on top of the Golden Boot race alongside Romelu Lukaku (Belgium).
Portugal, the Euro 2016 champions, are just too good at both ends of the pitch to lose this match. Iran will also be without Roozbeh Cheshmi who has been ruled out of the World Cup with a muscle injury. Portugal is completely healthy and has legitimate World Cup championship hopes, thanks mostly to Ronaldo!
Score Prediction: Portugal 2 – Iran 0
If you want to keep up with everything around the 2018 FIFA World Cup, be sure to check our soccer news page on a daily basis, which includes previews, reviews, predictions, and more.
Iran vs Portugal Lines 2018 World Cup Group B Preview
When: Monday, June 25 at 12:00 PM ETCristiano Ronaldo is just 2 Goals away from equalling Eusebio as #POR’s All-Time #WorldCup Top Scorer. (via @Twitugal) pic.twitter.com/1gMsyx1p6A
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@TeamCRonaldo) 22 de junio de 2018
TV: FOX
2018 World Cup Odds: Portugal +155 / Iran +180 / Draw +245
Team Profiles (Iran/Portugal)
- Confederation: AFC / UEFA
- Head coach: Carlos Queiroz / Fernando Santos
- Captain: Masoud Shojaei / Cristiano Ronaldo
- FIFA Ranking: 37 / 4
- World Cup Appearances: 5 / 7
Why Bet on Iran?
2018 World Cup Stats
- Games Played: 2
- Wins: 1
- Draws: 0
- Loses: 1
- Scored Goals: 1
- Conceded Goals: 1
“We have to be aggressive, not to allow the opponent to play, we need to win more individual battles, more one-on-one duels and to put our full offensive capacity on display.”
Still, this is the first time that Iran has reached back-to-back World Cups so they’re not looking to bow out easily.
Projected Line-Up
- 1-A. Beiranvand
- 8-M. Pouraliganji
- 23-R. Rezaeian
- 19-M. Hosseini
- 3-E. Hajsafi
- 9-O. Ebrahimi
- 11-V. Amiri
- 6-S. Ezatolahi
- 10-K. Ansarifard
- 17-M. Taremi
- 20-S. Azmoun
Why Bet on Portugal?
2018 World Cup Stats
- Games Played: 2
- Wins: 1
- Draws: 1
- Loses: 0
- Scored Goals: 4
- Conceded Goals: 3
Portugal got past Morocco 1-0 on Wednesday after playing Spain to an exciting 3-3 draw in their opener on June 15. Portugal was a bit fortunate in their second match win with Morocco missing out on several excellent scoring opportunities.
Superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo scored his fourth goal in two World Cup matches to lead Portugal to the win. He sits on top of the Golden Boot race alongside Romelu Lukaku (Belgium).
Projected Line-Up
- 1-Rui Patrício
- 3-Pepe
- 6-José Fonte
- 21-Cédric Soares
- 5-Raphaël Guerreiro
- 8-João Moutinho
- 14-William Carvalho
- 10-João Mário
- 17-Gonçalo Guedes
- 11-Bernardo Silva
- 7-Cristiano Ronaldo
Expert Final Analysis & Score Prediction
Iran has had a very nice run in the 2018 World Cup, but it’s about to come to an end in this match. Portugal has the best player on the pitch in this one – and probably the entire world in Cristiano Ronaldo (sorry Lionel Messi) and their supporting cast is also much better than Iran’s. As a matter of fact, Iran is fortunate that Morocco didn’t capitalize on their handful of scoring opportunities in their opener.Portugal, the Euro 2016 champions, are just too good at both ends of the pitch to lose this match. Iran will also be without Roozbeh Cheshmi who has been ruled out of the World Cup with a muscle injury. Portugal is completely healthy and has legitimate World Cup championship hopes, thanks mostly to Ronaldo!
Score Prediction: Portugal 2 – Iran 0
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