This has been Iran’s most successful World Cup to date. No one expected much out of Team Melli in a group that included powerhouses Spain and Portugal and an upstart in Morocco, and many assumed they would be fortunate to get a point in those three matches. However, Iran’s play has surpassed all expectations and now the team finds itself in position to potentially qualify for the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time ever.
To do that, Iran will have to beat Portugal when they meet on Monday afternoon. It’s a tall task for the Iranians, but this is not a position they have ever been in. Coming into the tournament manager Carlos Queiroz would have jumped at the chance to have this opportunity before the last match, and Iran will look to make the most of it.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Mordovia Arena in Saransk at 2 p.m. ET on Monday, June 25, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Iran +460
Portugal -138
Draw +255
Over/Under 2
Recent Form
The Portuguese haven’t looked as sharp as they did during their run to the 2016 European Championship, but they have played well enough to control their destiny. Any sort of result puts them into the Round of 16, while Iran needs a win or a draw coupled with Spain losing to Morocco by multiple goals in order to advance.
Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo has been the star of the show for Portugal. Ronaldo has been superb throughout the tournament and is currently the leader to snare the Golden Boot with four goals in two matches. He was incredible against Spain, netting a hat trick in a 3-3 draw, and he scored the lone goal in Portugal’s 1-0 win over Morocco. His brilliance has been needed as the defense has looked a little shaky at times.
Iran picked up only their second World Cup win ever in their opener against Morocco. It looked like Team Melli would be lucky to escape with a draw for much of the match, but they got an incredible gift when a Moroccan defender headed a cross into his own net five minutes into stoppage time. The final whistle blew less than a minute later, giving Iran a 1-0 win.
Against Spain, Iran were surprisingly sharp. Spain’s lone goal came from a deflection off of Diego Costa’s knee, and that was also the only tally in the match. Iran were dangerous on offense though and had a few good chances. They had an apparent goal called back due to offsides, which was somewhat questionable, but they still played admirably.
Player to Watch
Sardar Azmoun has not had the World Cup he was hoping for. Azmoun was seen as Iran’s main scoring option when the tournament started, but he has been virtually innocuous on the pitch. He has failed to create when given the opportunity and instead, Iran’s few successful attacks have come as a result of their wingers pressing on the counter. This might be Azmoun’s last chance to make a name for himself at the World Cup.
Key Unit
Portugal has not been as stout in defense as you might think. Spain was able to pick them apart in the opener, and Morocco had its fair share of chances against them in the second match. Veteran defenders Bruno Alves and Pepe are starting to look their age, and there have been gaps for opposing teams to attack.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The over is a great bet in this match considering the circumstances. Portugal’s best defense is its offense, and Iran cannot be content with hanging back and hoping for a draw. Both sides will push the pace, giving midfielders plenty of space to operate in.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Portugal 2, Iran 1
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