GOONERSGUIDE WORLD CUP NEWS SECTION

This is our World Cup news section where we provide any news items that might have a significant effect on the matches being played - or sports betting in general.

World Cup News :: Group B Preview : Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Iran

---

Posted on 2108-06-05 by Lamps

---

World Cup 2018 : Group B Preview

Lamps is covering Group B of the 2018 World Cup Finals in Russia for us - which features Spain, Portugal, Morocco and Iran.

So how will this group play out - and what is the best betting option?

Spain

La Roja are the Group favourites with Spain are as short as 1.57 to win Group B. The Spaniards are looking avenge their dismal showing in 2014 which resulted in a group stage exit.

Spain remain unbeaten under Lopetegui and sailed through their qualifying group with a 9-1-0 record which included an emphatic 3-0 over Italy. Spain scored 36 goals during the qualifiers conceding just the 3 with the side looking much like their former selves (winners in 2010).

The key for Spain will be their midfield which contains an excellent mix of youth and experience. In the past they have suffered without a natural striker often playing a false 9. However, Diego Costa looks rejuvenated at Atletico Madrid and he may be the missing piece to this already excellent team.

Portugal

The current European Champions are the second favourites to win the group priced around 3.25. Portugal have proved they are a strong resilient side, winning the Euro 2016 final in France against the French without Cristian Ronaldo who hobbled off early on. But can they topple their neighbours Spain in what looks a two runner fight for top spot.

Santos’s Portugal finished with a similar record to Spain in their qualifying group going 9-1-1. Portugal suffered without Ronaldo in their side at the start of the campaign but netted 32 goals conceding just 2 in the last 9 games of the group.

This team is tough to beat losing just 1 of their last 24 competitive games. However, they have struggle to break sides down and are too dependent on their star man Ronaldo. If he becomes isolated or is to pick up a knock this team does not look capable of chasing a game if falling behind.

The defence is mature with the likes of Pepe (35) and Fonte (34) past their best. A quick Spanish side will cause them problems and they will know Ronaldo better than anyone else. If the Portuguese can hold Spain in the group opener then anything is possible but they are rightly second favourites in Group B.

Morocco

Morocco return to the World Cup finals following a long 20 year absence. The Atlas Lions haven’t been given a nice drawn and can be backed at 21.00 to win this group. Fortunately for them they host Iran in their opening game and if they can win that game they could cause a shock , most likely against Portugal in their second game.

Renard’s had a tough qualifying group going against 2015 African Champions Ivory Coast. However, despite this they won the group without conceding a goal in any of their 6 matches finishing with a 3-3-0 record scoring 11 along the way.

The Atlas Lions strength is clearly in defence with Juventus’s Benatia the leader at the back. This team is set up to counter and will happily give up the ball. 3 of their first 4 qualifiers ended 0-0 as a result of their style of play. If Morocco can sneak a 1-0 win over Iran on match day 1, they have the tools to hold Portugal in match day 2 which gives them a decent outside bet of qualifying from this group.

Iran

Iran return to the World Cup finals having qualified 4 years ago in Brazil. In that campaign they finished with a 0-1-2 record holding Nigeria to an opening goalless draw. Iran almost held Argentina to the same score before Messi broke Iranian hearts in added time. Team Melli are priced at 41.00 to win this group and like Morocco their most likely (only) chance to get through is via the runners up spot.

Iran managed by Portuguese Carlos Queiroz breezed through their qualification with a 12-6-0 record. They have an excellent defence starting the qualifying campaign with 9 clean sheets and only conceded once qualification was assured.

Unfortunately, at the other end is where their problems lie. In the last World Cup they netted once in 270 minutes of football and enter this tournament with a 1 win from their last 12 (1-3-8) World Cup finals matches. For both Morocco and Iran their opener against each other is must win if either are to shock the bookmakers and avoid an Iberian double with Spain and Portugal to qualify.

BETTING SUMMARY

I like Spain to see off Portugal in the opening game of this group and go on to win Group B. Portugal drew all 3 games in their Group at the last Euros before going on to win it all and with an ageing team I feel they will look to take a draw off Spain in game 1.

However, the Spaniards have too much about them and I think once they see off the European Champions they should make light work of Iran and Morocco.

Both Iran and Morocco have the defensive capabilities to frustrate Portugal but its lack of goals that I worry about. Both sides also need 3 points in their first game against each other which should mean an attacking game but it’s not in their nature and I feel a point helps neither of them.

Portugal may not get the job done in a pretty fashion but it’s hard to look beyond them following Spain into the last 16.

Good Luck

THE BETTING VERDICT

Take Group Forecast Spain/Portugal at 2.20 with Bet365

 

Sourced From : GoonersGuide To World Cup Betting Tips

PREVIOUS NEWS ITEM :
Win a Trip to the World Cup Final in Moscow on July 15th