FIFA World Cup
World Cup 2018: Iran vs Portugal Preview
Iran will be hoping to surprise the world and secure their progression to the knockout rounds when they face Portugal Monday at 2 pm ET at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk. The Portuguese would, likewise, progress with a win and will approach this match with caution after seeing Iran push Spain to the limit and shut out Morocco.
Background
Described by coach Queiroz as “the most interesting and important match in my time with Iran.”, the Portuguese coach has the unique task of eliminating his home country from the World Cup. Queiroz who managed The ‘Selecção’ himself from 2008-2010, has coached Iran ever since. “It will be our most difficult challenge” he said in the pre-match press conference on Sunday. Adding later that his players are anxious to test themselves against Portugal’s “great players”. No doubt, referring to players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, whose emergence the Iran coach oversaw at Manchester United. The five time Ballon d’Or winner is having a record breaking World Cup, scoring all four of Portugal’s goals so far.
Ironically, it is exactly that statistic that will be worrying Portugal coach Santos as kickoff approaches. Despite winning Euro 2016, his side is still regarded a one man team by most viewers. Speaking to the press ahead of the match, experienced defender Pepe stated “We are fighters and we play with unity”. However, for that to be true, Ronaldo’s teammates will need to chip in with goals soon. Their Iranian opponents achieved clean sheets in every qualification match besides one and have only conceded once in Russia. Containing the all time leading goalscorer will be the objective for this disciplined Iranian unit.
Predicted Lineups
Iran: Ali Beiranvand; Ehsan Haji Safi, Morteza Pouraliganji, Ramin Rezaeian, Majid Hosseini; Saeid Ezatolahi, Vahid Amiri, Omid Ebrahimi, Karim Ansarifard, Mehdi Taremi; Sardar Azmoun
Portugal: Rui Patricio; Pepe, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro; Cedric Soares, William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Joao Mario; Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo
Prediction:
Iran would make history should they defeat their European opponents. So far, they have never made to the knockout rounds of the World Cup. It would be an upset, but not the most unlikely ever seen due to the defensive machine that is this Iranian team. Additionally, a draw may be enough for Queiroz’s side and Portugal’s over reliance on Ronaldo may be costly. Tempting as it may be to predict an upset, a few stubborn facts remain.
The Persians will possibly be without key defender Ehsan Hajsafi and the slightest change in their defensive system can be disastrous. Iran also find themselves without a single win against European opposition in World Cup History. Caution says the greatest goalscorer in history will deliver for Portugal yet again and Queiroz will be able to return home safely.
Iran 0 – 2 Portugal
