FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Iran vs Spain Preview
Carlos Queiroz’s Iran will look to achieve another upset against Spain in the Kazan Arena. The ‘Persian Lions’ would almost secure passage to the knockout rounds should they manage to defeat their Spanish opponents. However, the Spaniards will be determined to grab victory after Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliant hat-trick saw them miss out on an opening win.
Background
Iran has no injury concerns coming into the match and head coach Queiroz already warned their opponents to expect Iran’s “best game ever”. He describes it as a “win-win situation”. The former Real Madrid manager spoke highly of their Spanish opponents and the ‘privilege’ of playing them. Aware of the quality the European’s possess, team captain Masoud Shojaei will expect perfection from every one of his men.
Spain interim coach Fernando Hierro removed doubts about whether goalkeeper De Gea would start in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. In addition, the Manchester United keeper fumbled Ronaldo’s powerful shot five days ago resulting in a goal and a draw for his team. “We have full trust in him”, said Hierro to a chaotic media room. Great news for the Spanish shot-stopper, in light of an AS survey showing 60% of Spanish fans wishing to replace him. Nevertheless, the Spain manager, captain of ‘La Roja’ from 1998-2002 will be happy to have fullback Dani Carvajal available after a hamstring injury picked up back to May.
Predicted Lineups
Iran: Beiranvand; Rezaeian; Pouraliganji, Khanzadeh, Hajsafi; Ebrahimi; Jahanbakhsh, Shojaei, Amiri, Ansarifard; Azmoun
Spain: de Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Koke, Busquets, Iniesta; Silva, Costa, Isco
Prediction
This will be the first time that the two nations meet and, although improbable, Iran’s discipline is capable of squeezing an upset against Spain. Also, this is best demonstrated by their patient and focused approach versus Morocco, forcing an own goal in the dying moments. In World Cups where Spain don’t win their first match, they have been eliminated in the group stage or have won it all. Expect the latter version to show up today and go top with Portugal.
Iran 0 – 3 Spain
