Iran vs Portugal
World Cup Group B
Date: Monday, 25 June 2018
Kick-Off at 19:00 UK / 20:00 CET
Venue: Mordovia Arena, Saransk.
Both sides go into their third Group B game hoping that it will not be their last appearance at Russia 2018. The difference is that a draw would be enough for Portugal to progress, while IR Iran need a win to secure qualification and break new ground in the process.
The Iranians showed themselves to be formidable opponents in their first two matches, particularly impressing in defence. Their resilience was rewarded with a clean sheet against Morocco, while one mistake cost them against Spain. On the other hand, they were far more threatening going forward against La Roja, creating a number of clear-cut chances. Had they had a bit more luck, they could have scored more than the solitary goal they managed against Morocco.
It is no secret that this Portugal side revolves around Cristiano Ronaldo, to whom they are indebted for their four points to date. Having bagged a hat-trick to earn the European champions a share of the spoils against Spain, he hit the winner against Morocco to take his country a step closer to qualification. However, with A Selecção das Quinas determined to avoid a repeat of their group-stage exit at Brazil 2014, Ronaldo's team-mates know that they cannot afford to put all their eggs in the basket of their talismanic captain, lest he have an off day in front of goal.
Iran v Portugal Preview and Predictions
Iran put in a superb performance to contain the attacking luminaries in the Spanish team on Wednesday, only for a rebound off Diego Costa to fly into their net and VAR to chalk off what looked like an equalising goal. Carlos Queiroz has got his team well-organised, and they will need all of that discipline against Portugal.
The European champions did what they needed to against Morocco, although there was the expectation they might go on to score a few goals after Ronaldo struck inside the first five minutes. They were hanging on at times, and their defence looked vulnerable on numerous occasions.
Iran will sit back against Portugal on Monday, and hope they can take advantage of any lapses in concentration at the back. However, that still seems unlikely, with Portugal priced at 17/25 for a win which would see them safely into the knockout stages.
Iran are available at 37/4, which would see them go through instead of their opponents in this one after their opening victory over Morocco. That doesn’t look like a wise bet though, with the draw a more likely outcome if you think Portugal will slip up in Saransk. Any Iranian success is likely to be built on a solid defensive display, and with that in mind, the goalless draw is 9/1.
Iran vs Portugal Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Iran Team News
Eredivisie top scorer Alireza Jahanbakhsh only came on from the bench against Spain.
He should be fit enough to make the starting line-up against Portugal.
Saeid Ezatolahi made a huge impact as a defensive midfielder after skipping the opening tie with Morocco.
Carlos Queiroz should not make changes other than introducing Jahanbakhsh compared to the clash with La Furia Roja.
Iran Predicted Starting Eleven (4-1-4-1)
Beiranvand – Rezaeian, Pouraliganji, Cheshmi, Hajisafi – Ezatolahi – Jahanbakhsh, Ebrahimi, Amiri, Ansarifard – Azmoun.
Portugal Team News
Cristiano Ronaldo continued his Russian fairy-tale on Monday scoring his fourth World Cup goal in two matches.
Real Madrid superstar notched each of last five goals for his national outfit at World Cups.
Fernando Santos made only one change for the second-round affair with Morocco.
Joao Mario came on instead of Bruno Fernandes, but the Sporting Lisbon midfielder could regain his place in the starting XI here.
Guedes are Ronaldo will lead the line in a 4-4-2 formation with Quaresma once again likely to start from the bench.
Portugal Predicted Starting Eleven (4-4-2)
Rui Patricio – Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro –Bernardo Silva, Joao Moutinho, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes – Cristiano Ronaldo, Guedes.
Iran vs Portugal Predictions
Portugal to Win at 3/4
Correct Score Prediction
Portugal 2-0 at 13/2
Anytime Goal scorer Prediction
Cristiano Ronaldo To Score Anytime at 5/6