Iran vs Spain
Iran are the surprise leaders in Group B following their enthralling win over Morocco. However, they are set to face a reality check when they play FIFA 2018 favourites Spain who are coming off a high-scoring draw against Portugal.
Both teams need a win here. For Iran, victory will give them a good shot at making it to the Round of 16—a place they failed to reach in their last four attempts. Meanwhile, anything less than three points will put Spain in the perilous situation of possibly missing out on the knockout stages for the second World Cup running.
There’s no room for mistakes this time around, and both nations will undoubtedly go all-out as they try to get the FIFA 2018 results they desire.
Talking Points
Call them lucky but a win is still a win and Iran will proudly take it on any given day. After all, luck is part of the competition, isn’t it?
Now, they will head to Kazan Arena brimming with confidence knowing for a fact that they are just a win away from virtually securing a spot in the knockout phase of the competition.
However, Team Melli also know that confidence is not enough to win games in the World Cup. Not against a Spain team that boasts top-level talent and quality in all areas.
Iran, indeed, have plenty to work on their game following their 1-0 win over Morocco. While they did a good job frustrating the Atlas Lions who controlled the game through and through, the fact that they failed to register a single shot in the second half isn’t a good thing to see.
Well, being the first-ever nation to score a goal in a half of a World Cup game without registering a shot has its downside.
Sardar Azmoun’s counter-attack before the end of the first half was Iran’s only real chance to score as they barely threatened the Moroccans, taking most of their shots from 40 yards out.
Put simply, that kind of football and strategy won’t work against La Furia Roja who are veterans in the tournament. It’s difficult to see the Iranians breaking Spain mentally or frustrating them with their defence considering the players that the Spaniards have at their disposal.
Even Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal failed to beat them despite the fact that Spain were recently embroidered in controversy after the sacking of manager Julen Lopetegui…24 hours before the start of World Cup!
Spain went behind twice against Portugal, and twice they fought back to earn a 3-3 draw. That only shows the mental fortitude of the team, staying true to the saying, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
It’s no wonder why the 2010 champions are considered a powerhouse in world football.
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Diego Costa, who scored twice against the Navigators to keep Spain in the game, will be his usual threat up front. Nonetheless, he’s not the only player that Iran should be wary about.
Isco, Koke and Iago Aspas all failed to write their names on the scoresheet last week, and they will be more than determined to make up for it this time around.
Also, we shouldn’t forget about David De Gea. After allowing three goals against Portugal, the Premier League’s top goalkeeper will certainly want to redeem himself. And what better way to do it than keeping a clean sheet?
History
There’s no prior meeting between these two teams, but Spain can boast an unblemished record of having never lost to an Asian side in 90 minutes of World Cup football. Though they did lose to South Korea on penalties back in 2002 after playing out a goalless draw.
Interestingly, Iran haven’t won a World Cup game against teams from Europe, losing five of their last six matches while drawing the other.
One fun statistic: Spain have been eliminated from the group stage in two of the three World Cups that they failed to win in the opening match. The other one that they lost the opener? In 2010 when they lifted their first World Cup trophy!
What are the odds?
SBOBET World Cup predictions have Spain topping the group, and that still doesn’t change despite getting only one point in the first fixture.
Sure enough, Iran have a mountain to climb if they are to pull an upset, with FIFA 2018 odds giving them odds at 14.50 to win while Spain are at 1.16.
Asian Handicap betting also shows how huge the gap between the two sides is. Spain are tipped at -1.75 @ 1.68, while Iran are at 2.33 with that advantage.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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