IRAN vs PORTUGAL: Group B of the FIFA World Cup 2018 is precariously placed as three teams battle it out to qualify for the knockouts. Iran beat Morocco in their tournament’s opener while Portugal have been playing quality football. They drew the first game against Spain and took three points against Morocco. Cristiano Ronaldo has been exceptional so far and in a big game, a must-win for Portugal he’s bound to score. How many though will be the big question? Iran vs Portugal match preview, fantasy football tips and thorough insights are drafted here. Who do you think will win this fixture?
WHERE: MORDOVIA ARENA, SARANSK
WHEN: 11:30
POSSIBLE OUTCOMES
If Iran win, they’ll be through to the next round and Portugal will need Spain to lose to stay in contention.
A Portuguese win would make them table toppers with Spain finishing second.
If the match finishes in a draw & if Spain manage only one point against Morocco, Portugal & Spain go through.
TEAM NEWS
Ehsan Hajsafi suffered an injury only after 30 minutes against Spain. The Iranian defender might not feature against the Portuguese.
Jaoa Moutinho won’t be able to recover in time for this fixture due to illness. The others keep their spots.
EXPECTED PLAYING 11
PORTUGAL
Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio
Defenders: Pepe, Jose Fonte, Cedric Soares, Raphael Guerreiro
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Jaoa Mario, William Carvalho, Bernardo Silva
Strikers: Cristiano Ronaldo, Goncalo Guedes
IRAN
Goalkeeper: Alireza Belranvand
Defenders: Ramin Rezaeian, Majid Hosseini, Morteza Pouraliganji, Ehsan Safi
Midfielders: Alireza Jahanbaksh, Omid Ebrahimi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Vahid Amiri, Karim Ansarifard
Strikers: Sarkar Amzoun.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
CRISTIANO RONALDO
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored each of his country’s last 5 World Cup goals. He scored a hattrick against Spain, one against Morocco and scored one against Ghana in the previous World Cup. He’s one behind Harry Kane with 4 goals and against Iran, he’d look to leave Kane behind. His leadership has been mighty impressive and he’ll look to confirm Portugal’s participation in the knockouts. He’s an absolute goal machine and a must in FanFight’s fantasy football team.
ALIREZA JAHANBAKSH
He’s listed as a striker on FanFight and his inclusion might get a little tricky. But, he’s one player Portugal will have to keep a key eye on. Give him space and he’ll punish the Portuguese. Iran’s success in the recent past has been proportional to Jahanbaksh’s form. If he plays well, Iran more often than not go on to win the game. Pepe and Fonte will have their work cut out and if Ronaldo doesn’t make it to your fantasy team, Jahanbaksh must certainly do.
FANFIGHT FANTASY FOOTBALL TEAM FOR IRAN
vs PORTUGAL
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STAT ATTACK
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for most goals in international football for a European player. He’s now got 85 goals beating Ferenc Puskas’ 84.
Portugal have won three of their four World Cup games against Asian nations. The only loss coming against host nation South Korea in 2002.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Only once have the two teams met in a World Cup before this. Portugal won that game 2-0. Deco and Ronaldo the scorers. Ronaldo bagging his debut goal for Portugal.
PREDICTION
An Iranian win would mean they‘ll qualify for the knockouts for the very first time. Portugal are looking to better their last World Cup’s debacle and with the likes of Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Pepe, Portugal are favourites to win this fixture. 3-0 to Portugal is my prediction.
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Also, check out our previous match previews.
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