World Cup 2018 Preview: Group B

Group B
Group B is the one of the most straightforward group in tournament, with two extremely clear favorites in Spain and Portugal. Most excitement is about which one of those two teams will finish first and second. They will play each other at the second day of the tournament and will for many be the first highlight of the World Cup.

Matches
June 15th Marocco v Iran 17.00 CEST / 11AM ET
June 15th Portugal v Spain 20.00 CEST / 14PM ET

June 20th Portugal v Morocco 14.00 CEST / 11AM ET
June 20th Iran v Spain 20.00 CEST / 14PM ET

June 25th Iran v Portugal 20.00 CEST / 11AM ET
June 25th Spain v Morocco 20.00 CEST / 14PM ET

Spain
Spain is ready to redeem themselves of the failure that was the 2014 World Cup where they failed to qualify from the group stages. They are as then, one of the favorites to win. However, this time things are looking better than ever. Not only is the squad better balanced and younger, they have also shows extremely good form leading up to this tournament. I March they beat Argentina 6-1, even against an Argentina side without Messi, this is a strong statement. As always, Spain will look to keep possession of the ball and they are with world class players in all positions. No one will be surprised if Spain were to win their second World Cup in their third attempt.

Manager: Julen Lopetegui

Key Players: De Gea (GK), Ramos (D), Iniesta (M)

Predicted Line up (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Thiago; Silva, Iniesta, Asensio; Costa.

Spain will look to win their second World Cup this summer.

Portugal
Few thought Portugal would win the Euros in 2016, but they did. They never exited anyone, but they still came through. This time, the same rules apply. Few expect them to win it or even come close and this may work in Portugal’s favor. There is quality all over the pitch and with a player like Ronaldo anything is possible.

However, compared to some of the other teams, they lack true world class players in certain positions. The team is also two years older than it was in 2016 and there has not been a great deal of Portuguese talent coming through the last years. They will likely be a tough opponent for any team but will have to look to Ronaldo if they are to create problems for the opponent.

Manager: Fernando Santos

Key Players: Alves (D), Silva (M), Ronaldo (M)

Predicted Line up (4-2-3-1): Patricio; Cedric, Pepe, Alves, Guerreiro; Neves, Silva; Ronaldo, Moutinho, Silva; Silva.

Portugal need this man at his best in order to meet their fans expectations.

Morocco
Morocco enters this tournament as a team with some quality. They are an adventurous team and like to differ their tactics depending on the opposition. They have a strong defense with Juventus player Medhi Benatia as the natural leader. Most believe Morocco will claim the third spot in the group as they are not as strong as Spain or Portugal but should be better than Iran.
Going forward they have the talented Ziyech, who daily plays for Ajax. He is considered a great talent and will undoubtedly look to impress this World Cup.

The captain Benatia who is a key player in this Morocco side.

Manager: Hervé Renard

Key Players: Benatia (D), Ziyech (M), Amrabat (M)

Predicted Line up (4-2-3-1): Munir; Dirar, Saiss, Benatia, Hakimi; Boussoufa, El-Ahmadi; Amrabat, Belhanda, Ziech; Boutaib.

Iran
Iran is strongest in attack and are solid at the back. Their coach Carlos Queiroz has a lifetime of experience managing in the top clubs in Europe both as head coach and assistant manager. He has always been a great tactical coach which no doubt be beneficial to this Iran team. It is much thanks to him that they manage to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

As they are the weakest team in the group, they need a solid game plan in order to get points. In attack they will look to Jahnbakhsh to conjure something. The 24-year-old scored 21 league goals in the Eredivisie this season.

Manager: Carlos Queiroz

Key Players: Pouraliganji (D), Jahnbakhsh (M), Azmoun (A)

Predicted Line up (4-3-3): Beiranvand; Mohammadi, Rezaeian, Chesmi, Khanzadeh; Shojaei, Ghoulizadeh, Torabi; Jahnbakhsh, Taromi, Ansarifard.

Prediction:

1. Spain
2. Portugal
3. Morocco
4. Iran