2018 World Cup: Group B Betting Guide, Predictions, Tips & Odds – Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
About Group B
About Group BGroup B is already being billed as the battle between European rivals Portugal and Spain, with the duo set to meet in their opening clash of the tournament, which will potentially go a long way to determining who will eventually finish top of the standings. Euro 2016 winners Portugal will go into the tournament full of confidence, however the fact that Spain are unbeaten since their defeat in France two yeas ago demonstrates their credentials as one of the favourites in Russia this summer. Elsewhere, both Morocco and Iran will have to cause a major shock if they are to have any hope of reaching the knockout phase of the competition, something in which not many are expecting them to do.
About Portugal
Portugal defeated host nation France two years ago in order to be crowned European champions, however they are still one of the outsiders for this year’s World Cup. The performances of Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to have a significant impact upon their success, while manager Fernando Santos also has players including Bernardo Silva, Pepe and Leicester City’s Adrien Silva to call upon. Portugal beat Algeria in their final warm-up match, having previously been held to draws by both Tunisia and Belgium. Portugal are currently ranked 4th in the FIFA world rankings, six places higher than rivals Spain.
About Spain
Since their defeat to Italy in the Round of 16 at Euro 2016, Spain have gone on an unbeaten run, which led to them qualifying for the World Cup with ease. Manager Julen Lopetegui undoubtedly has a squad packed full of world class talent to call upon, including the likes of David Silva, Isco, Sergio Ramos and Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea. Spain were held by Switzerland in their final World Cup warm-up fixture.
About Morocco
Ranked 41st in the world rankings, Morocco head to Russia knowing that they must be on top form if they are to have any hope of making it out of Group B. Experienced manager Hervé Renard will lead the African side in Russia, with the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Karim El Ahmadi and Captain Medhi Benatia among their most talented individuals. Morocco are currently on a 16-match unbeaten run, aided by recent wins over Slovakia and Serbia.
About Iran
Former Real Madrid boss Carlos Queiroz, who will quit his role after the tournament, is in charge of Iran this summer, with the Portuguese manager hoping that his side can cause an upset in Russia. However, the Middle-Eastern side’s preparations were effected when warm-up friendlies with both Greece and Kosovo were cancelled. Heerenveen striker Reza Ghoochannejhad has 17 international goals to his name, while Nottingham Forest’s Ashkan Dejagah is likely to captain the side.
2018 World Cup Group B Winner Odds (888Sport)
- Spain @5/9
- Portugal @12/5
- Morocco @16/1
- Iran @40/1
Group B Preview & Predictions
It is difficult to look beyond anything other than both Portugal and Spain qualifying for the knockout phase of the 2018 World Cup from Group B, however it remains to be seen who will go through as group winner. Our prediction is that Spain will defeat their neighbours in their opening match, before claiming comfortable successes over both Morocco and Iran.
2018 World Cup Group B Fixtures
FRIDAY 15TH JUNE
- Morocco vs Iran 16:00 – Krestovsky Stadium, Saint Petersburg
- Portugal vs Spain 19:00 – Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi
WEDNESDAY 20TH JUNE
- Portugal vs Morocco 13:00 – Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
- Iran vs Spain 19:00 – Kazan Arena, Kazan
MONDAY 25TH JUNE
- Iran vs Portugal 19:00 – Mordovia Arena, Saransk
- Spain vs Morocco 19:00 – Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad