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2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group B Guide, Preview, and Analysis

Sportpesatips - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group B Guide, Preview, and Analysis
By Allan

Group B

Portugal,Spain,Morocco and Iran

Portugal

  • European champion Portugal are looking to make another statement after conquering Europe two years ago in France.

  • The Fernando Santos coached side are currently ranked 4th and have matured significantly over the last two years.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo determination and motive at the highest level will be crucial for Portugal progress in the group stage that they have have failed to achieve in their previous world cup appearance.

  • Maturity of the likes of Bernando Silva and Guedes should provide support for the Real Madrid talisman and take pressure off his shoulder.

  • The defense line is the only genuine concern for the European champions with the aging Pepe leading the back line while Fonte who moved to china League might not be at his best in terms of competitiveness.

  • Player to watch: Ronaldo will be the focal point of the team but would need creativity in the third halve and that man is Bernardo Silva .

  • The Man City play maker as developed well under Pep Guadiola and and should showcase his trickery and flair in Russia.

  • Portugal have a genuine number 9 in world Cup this time round, Inter Milan striker Andre Silva who did not take part in France 2 years ago as emerged as Cristiano Ronaldo partner and scored nine goals in the qualifiers.

  • Santos should stick with the 4-4-2 formation with the midfield being engined by experienced Moutinho alongside defensive minded Carvalho.

  • Between the post it shouldn't be a problem with Rui Patricio tasked with the responsibility , the sporting Lisbon custodian has been the Portuguese No.1 since 2011 and made some crucial saves in the Euro 2016.

Spain

  • After a disappointing show in Brazil in 2014 and Euro 2016 Spain have rejuvenated under Julien Lopetegui.

  • The manager is undefeated in his tenure for Spain and has been able to restructure an aging side blending it with new talent .

  • La Roja have maintained identity playing style “tik taka” and the backbone of their style of play as to be the midfield.

  • David Silva who has been the main stay since Euro 2008 alongside Andre Iniesta and Segio Busquets make a formidable midfield with the emerging talent of Isco , Asensio and the new faces Koke and Thiago to complement them .

  • The back line is made of Madrid and Barcelona 1st choices Carvajal, Ramos ,Pique and Alba in that sequence and have played together for the last four years so they should provide great understanding and consistency.

  • Upfront is the real concern for Lopetegui with Diego Costa not clicking well with the talented midfield quick passes and movement.

  • Emerging talent Rodrigo who who has blossomed this season and is the main reason Valencia will be playing in the champions league football next season should be the plan B option if Costa fails to deliver.

  • Madrid starlet Marco Asensio offers them another option for the false nine that worked very well in the world cup 2010 and Euros 2008,2012.

  • Spain have one of the best Goalkeepers in Russia and David De Gea is undoubtedly the best all round keep if not the best at the moment.

  • A semi final berth should the worst for the gifted side who have unsurprisingly one world cup trophy in their cabinet despite boosting with gifted players at their disposal.

Morocco

  • Morocco will make a comeback after missing the global tournament for two decades and are in great form heading into this tournament .

  • Morocco were resolute at the back during the African qualifiers where they went all the way only conceding a single goal.

  • The atlas lions are 42th on the ranking table and are coached by Frenchman Herve Renard.

  • Morocco boost of a talented squad led by captain fantastic Benatia a key member of Italian giants Juventus.

  • The center back will form a solid partnership with Wolves Romain Saiss franked by Real madrid youngest Hakim Achraf who has been exciting under the watchful eye of Zidane.

  • One of the most brightest talent in Europe Hakim Ziyech will be tasked with unlocking defenders with his precise passing ,together with Belhanda .

  • the North africa side have a good crop players in the middle of the pack with Amrabat and veteran Mbarek Boussoufa and the dazzling Amine Harit who posses great fit with trickery.

  • Turkish based striker Khalid Boutaib will lead the attack line and has so far netted 7in 17 caps and the French born is a good finisher and can hold play with great effect.

  • The Atlas lion will solemnly rely on their defensive approach but have some creative players who can take on anyone at the big stage.

Iran

  • Iran are one of the most successfully nations in Asia and have been on the rise lately currently ranked 36th on the coca cola FIFA ranking.

  • Brazilian tactician Carlos Queiroz has been in charge of the side since 2011 and has gathered a stronger side that can better their Brazil performances four years ago.

  • Most of their current squad now play for top leagues across Europe with the most notable one being Alireza Jahanbakhsh who turns out for AZ Alkmaar in Netherlands and bagged 21 one goals this season.

  • Player to watch: Sardar Azmoun who turns out for Russian side Rubin Kazan a player a custom with the Russia environment despite is tend age as already scored 23 goals of the the 32 apps.

  • Queiroz prefers the 4-3-3 formation with an attack minded trio at the top.

  • This should be a tricky group for Iran but their realistic aim will be at least get a draw and a game against morocco could be key to this achievement.

Recommended Outcome

  • Spain will arguably finish top of the group with so much talent at their disposal and they head into this tournament full of confidence.

  • European Champion Portugal have concern with their aging back line but with a world class player Cristiano Ronaldo on their side you can never rule them out.

  • The atlas lion are the dark horses of the group and are very organised at the back and good going forward expect them to push for the 2nd spot but Portugal experience and talent should come out on top.

  • Iran have been progressing well lately and should cause problem at this edition world cup but may come short of the team ahead of them.

Our final Verdict

  1. Spain

  2. Portugal

  3. Morocco

  4. Iran