Iran vs Portugal
How do you solve a problem like Cristiano? Work that puzzle out and you might just win the World Cup! After all; any team that can stop Cristiano Ronaldo at least has a chance.
And in Saransk on Monday, that particular task falls to Iran as they take on Portugal in the chase for a top-two place in Group B. This game is a teasing prospect because Portugal could be going home despite their star man doing his stuff in two games already. The big if is whether Iran can somehow beat Fernando Santos’ team.
This match is Iran vs Portugal and not Iran vs Ronaldo, but Carlos Queiroz’ main pre-occupation must be how to stop Los Blancos’ chief Galactico from adding to his four goals already plundered in Russia.
It’s a huge game for both teams and you can get all the Iran vs Portugal news at SBOBET.
Talking Points
Ronaldo wants to prove to the world that he is the best player on the planet. That argument will never be resolved, I guess, though his nemesis Leo Messi is yet to light up this World Cup. In contrast, the Real Madrid star is in early contention for the Golden Boot: his four goals put him level at the top with Romelu Lukaku, only surpassed by ‘own goals’ at the moment!
Our SBOBET predictions reckon he’ll get another two.
This could be Cristiano’s year. He has been largely underwhelming in the past two World Cups and, at the ripe old age of 33, this might well be his best and last chance.
But if Portugal are to reach the latter stages, then surely they can’t rely on just one player. And they are certainly not a one-man team, with attacking flair available across the park. Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva can beat a man and pick a pass with ease, and in PSG’s 21-year-old winger Goncalo Guedes, they have a serious threat from either flank.
Queiroz would dearly love to put one over his compatriots. He’s the longest-serving manager in Iran’s history but I’m sure, one day, the Portuguese coach would relish the chance to manage his home nation. He knows Ronaldo well of course, as assistant to Alex Ferguson and Manchester United, in the Beautiful One’s golden period at Old Trafford.
Iran won one and lost one so far, a 95th-minute victory over Morocco followed by a narrow defeat to Spain. With an own goal helping them out in the opening fixture, Iran need to show they can make and score goals for themselves. Step forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Iran’s very own version of Ronaldo. The 24-year-old forward has taken the Eredivisie by storm this season, top scoring with 21 goals and contributing 12 assists for AZ Alkmaar.
History
The only previous meeting between Iran and Portugal resulted in a 2-0 win for the Europeans back in World Cup 2006, which took them through to the Last 16. And guess who was on the scoresheet? Yep…Cristiano Ronaldo.
The current European champions have never reached a World Cup final: their best efforts being a semi-final appearance in England 1966, which they repeated in 2006.
Iran’s track record is more modest. They are yet to progress past the group stage, though the Lions of Persia have now reached five finals. Could this be their year? It would be a fantastic achievement to escape from a group containing both Iberian giants.
Both teams arrived in Russia in decent shape with Portugal now unbeaten in five, and Iran with four victories from the last six. What Queiroz would give for just one more win on Monday?
What are the odds?
The Iran vs Portugal betting odds make for good reading if you’re a Portugal fan! Santos’ team is at 1.69 to beat Iran with the draw at 3.30, and Iran out at 5.80.
The Asian handicap betting offer has Portugal to win with a -0.75 goal handicap at odds of 1.92. With a +0.75 start, Iran are available at 2.01.
Iran conceded just two goals in qualifying so it could be a tight game. Over 2.00 goals is at odds of 1.84 and under 2.00 goals is 2.06.
The most likely score is 1-0 to Portugal at odds of 4.70 with the next favourite a goalless draw at odds of 6.60; with Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch! Really?
Looking further ahead, Iran are 5.80 to qualify from this group, which is guaranteed with a win.
And how far do you think Portugal can go? Well, their most likely stage of exit is in the Round of 16, at odds of 2.30, if you think they can go one step further you can back Quarter-Finals at 3.50.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE WORLD CUP 2018 STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
