Iran has an uphill battle as it looks to get to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in the country’s history. Team Melli has only managed to get one win in four previous appearances at the World Cup, and they are massive underdogs to make it out of Group B.
The group favorites are Spain. La Roja have been the most storied nation in the world over the last decade. From 2008 to 2012, they were unstoppable, winning two European Championships and the World Cup. However, they crashed out of the last World Cup and were upended by Germany in penalties at the last Euros.
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 Kazan Arena in Kazan at 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 20, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Iran +1673
Spain -454
Draw +520
Over/Under 2.5
Recent Development
No one expected the surprise resignation of Zinedine Zidane to have such a big impact at the World Cup. Zidane left his position as the manager for Real Madrid a couple weeks ago after clashing with the club’s president, and it turned out to have a huge impact on Spain.
Earlier this week, Real Madrid announced that Julen Lopetegui would be the club’s new manager. Lopetegui had been the manager of the Spanish national team for the last two seasons, but his decision to take the Real Madrid job before the World Cup did not sit well with many in Spain.
Lopetegui had signed a two-year extension with Spain just three weeks beforehand, and the Spanish FA felt blindsided by the news. The day after the announcement, Spain announced that they were relieving him of his duties as manager and replacing him with Fernando Hierro. Hierro only came on as an assistant this year, but he has a ton of playing experience and familiarity with these players.
Player to Watch
There are going to be a lot of fans in the stands cheering on Sardar Azmoun. Iran’s top forward plays his professional ball for Rubin Kazan, and it’s nice that he is able to play this match in his club’s home stadium.
Azmoun’s play has attracted the attention of some of the top clubs in Europe. He is rumored to have links with a few different Premier League and Serie A sides, and that makes him one of the most talented players for Iran.
His play in the air is particularly impressive. He hasn’t tallied a ton of goals for club or country, but the skill is there. If Iran is going to pull off a historic upset, it will probably take some magic from Azmoun.
Matchup to Watch
Spain might have more midfield talent than any other team in the world. This side is absolutely loaded with stars, and it’s going to be very difficult for Iran’s leaky back line to hold them in check.
Andres Iniesta and David Villa are two of the big names on the roster, but don’t overlook the youngsters. Marco Asensio is a star in the making, and Isco has been phenomenal for Spain. Isco tallied a hat trick in a win over Argentina earlier this year, and he has been absolutely brilliant at times.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I don’t see how Iran can keep this one close. There is a chasm separating these teams in terms of both depth and star power. Spain will be able to possess the ball for much of the match, while Iran will have to try to find a way to counter. This should be a rout.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Spain 4, Iran 0
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