World Cup 2018 Preview: Group B

Iran

Another for want of a better word minnow and unlike Saudi Arabia yesterday they've been drawn in a group with two of the big boys and a very decent African team. Made up of journeymen from around the world - including a few in Europe they actually had a strong qualifying campaign but I can't see them doing to well and certainly not progressing.


Morocco

A very impressive qualifying campaign saw them pip the Ivory Coast (how weird is it that the Ivory Coast aren't here). They are an exceedingly decent team with a mixture of youth and experienced players who mostly play over Europe. Readers will mostly be familiar with Romain Saiss who one the Championship this season with Wolverhampton Wanderers. Certainly a dangerous floater and unlucky to be drawn in a group with two of the big boys. The advantage they have is they play Iran first which sets them up nicely for the two tougher games. Morocco certainly has a chance to progress but its weather they can take advantage of it.


Portugal

The perennial underachievers go into this World Cup after winning Euro 2016 under pressure to do well. This is by far the strongest squad we've looked at yet but despite that it their chances hang on one person the boy Ronaldo. To often in the past he has underperformed on this stage and as he approaches his mid thirties this looks to be his last chance for a defining world cup moment. The rest of the squad is up to a high standard - in fact even without Ronaldo its a strong squad. A host of up and coming forwards, a midfield including Bernardo Silva, a strong reliable keeper and an underrated defence including Mario Rui and Ricardo Pereira. I expect them to go far and if the lad Ronaldo is in the mood they could do something special.


Spain

Without doubt one of the favourites and a whose who of world football. With de Gea possibly the best keeper in world football today, a midfield and defence made up of Atletico, Real and Barcelona any other country would at least maim for these players. Spain has an embarrassment of riches in defence and midfield just look at this squad; Ramos, Pique, Alba, Nacho, Carvajal in defence and in midfield; Iniesta, Isco, Koke, Thiago, Saul, Asensio, Busquets and Silva. If that doesn't hit Ruud Gullit in his sexy football G spot nothing will. Critics may say they are weak up front but Iaspas and Rodrigo are in form and could well be starting by the time the tournament reaches the final stages.

Of note we could be seeing the end of some big players for Spain with Pepe Reina, Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Sergio Ramos well into their thirties. Despite this the cardinal sin of letting a football team get old together hasn't happened and age wise the squad looks balanced.  Big things expected from Spain and they are without doubt among the favourites.


Summing Up

Its all about the match between Spain and Portugal, whoever wins that wins the group - personally without taking into account potential shenanigans about the knock out route finishing first or second brings I'd opt for Spain. Morocco have a decent outsiders chance and are not to be ignored.
Tips: Over 2.5 goals on all Iran matches and lay unders on cards in most of the matches not involving Iran could be a good call here.
One to watch: Has to be the boy Ronaldo.
Dark horse to watch: Andre Silva, I expected big things from his this season but like most players at AC Milan he had a sticky season, will improve and possibly a late bloomer.