Verdict: Spain win and over 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
Group B turned out to be interesting during the first round of matches. Iran won late against Morocco thanks to an own goal, while Spain drew 3-3 in so far the best match of the tournament against Portugal. That means that the European sides have to get to winning matches now and get themselves in the top two spots where everyone expects to see them at the end of the group stages.
Iran
Iran did a good job in their World Cup opener. The match against Morocco had seen them start shaky and they could have been losing early on. However, Carlos Quieroz’s side persisted and continued playing in a tough, organized manner. In the second half, it was Iran who was taking the reigns of the match and in the end that paid the dividends. The own goal gave them important three points and now they will be confident going to the match against Spain. It sure will be a tough task for them, as Spain were great themselves, but a point could really complicate things for everyone.
Team News
Iran will be in full strength for this match. They are not exactly a side able to rotate too much, so they should be expected to start pretty much the way they did against Morocco.
Spain
On the other hand, Spain drew their first match and also conceded three goals. Yet despite that, the feeling about this Spanish side remains very positive, even though they sacked Julen Lopetegui just 48 hours prior to the match against Portugal. That match was highlighted by David De Gea’s big mistake that resulted in Cristiano Ronaldo’s second goal. With Nacho’s previous foul on the Portuguese star in the box, that meant the opposition got two easy goals. That is not probable to happen to them again and Spain should continue playing well, the way did in the most part of their opening match. Iran should be a good opportunity to earn a big win.
Team News
Spain are, similar to Iran, in full strength and Fernando Hierro will have plenty of options to choose from. It will be interesting to see if Nacho will start once again at right back or will Alvaro Odriozola get the nod and show why he is one of the bright talents of Spanish football.
Key Factors to Consider
- Spain had six shots on target against European champions and that should be a big worry for Iran.
- Diego Costa was in great form against Portugal and he will be very tough to contain this time again. His physical strength s a huge factor in his displays, but everything he does with and without the ball is also helping him be a nightmare for centre-backs.
- Iran had just 33 percent ball possession against Morocco, so they will expect to do something similar against Spain and try to suffocate the space in front of their goal.
Conclusion
This game should be won by Spain and easily so. There could possibly be some rough spells where Iran manage to sustain the pressure, due to their deep block, but in the end, this feels like a big win for La Roja.
Verdict: Spain win and over 2,5 goals – yes
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: 888sport