IRAN VS SPAIN – WORLD CUP MATCH REVIEW

IRAN

Iran faces Spain after a not too impressive display against morocco. They did take all three points with the help of a 95th minute own goal. And are sitting comfortable at the top of group B. Match statistics show that they had just two shots on targeted and had just 32% of the possession. Iran vs Spain , this game happens to be one of the deciding factors for who sits on top of Group B.

Their opening group B game at Saint Petersburg which they won was anything but deserved. This next fixture against the 2010 champions would even be more difficult, as the Spaniards tend to hold onto to possession a lot more.

Iran over the last few years haven’t been an easy nut to crack, and Spain haven’t been very impressive themselves. Since beating Chile in a friendly match in 2015, Iran hasnt won any team in the top 20 according to FIFA world ranking. And have also lost to Turkey and Tunisia in 2018 alone.

SPAIN

The Spanish team are a new type of challenge when compared to other teams they have played in recent years.
For Spain as a nation this world cup outing is one filled with controversy.

From sacking team manager Julen Lopetegui due to his acceptance to become manager of Real Madrid, and having an opening match against Portugal. New manager Fernando Hierro have a difficult first match in charge.

For the new coach , his new job almost became a nightmare as his team gave away a penalty in the first ten minutes of the game. Team captain Cristiano Ronaldo put Portugal ahead with a well taken spot kick.

Diego Costa got an equalizer and even though David De Gea made a costly error they still fought their way back . Coming on the heels of Costa’s equalizer , Nacho got the Spaniards into the driving seat . The game was far from over as Ronaldo with an outstanding free kick helped his team draw level.

MATCH EXPECTATION

So far the Spain vs Portugal game is the most interesting game in the world cup with lots of highlights . Playing Iran in this next game , it is our expectation that the Spanish team would be victorious in this particular encounter.

At the back, Sergio Ramos and Gerrard Pique shouldn’t have much concern. Playing a team that weren’t really threatening against Morocco even though they have looked really weak in recent time.

Meanwhile their attack have been able to acquire an amazing 35goals in 11matches. Seven of this lot have ended in at least three goals. This makes giving Iran a head start, Spain should still carry the day.

With this match being a must win for Spain it is also expected that they keep a clean sheet.

Atletico Madrid’s top striker Diego Costa was very instrumental in their draw against the Portuguese. He would be looking to continue his impressive form when he steps up to play Iran. With eight goals in eight international starts, he could be a very good selection for the anytime goalscorer market.

PREDICTED LINEUP

IRAN

Beiranvand, Rezaeian, Chesmi, Pouraliganji, Safi, Ebrahimi, Jahanbakhsh, Shojaei, Amiri, Ansarifand, Azmoun

SPAIN

De Gea, Nacho, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Thiago, Busquets, Iniesta, Isco, Silva, Costa

HEAD TO HEAD

These two would be meeting for the very first time.

PICK

Handicap (1:0)2 @ 1.70 odds