Iran vs Portugal Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Iran have never made it past the World Cup group stages, but coming into the final round of group matches here they are in with an outside chance of creating history when they face Portugal.

To do that they need a victory over the Euro 2016 winners on Monday, and that’s not going to be an easy feat, considering their opening two matches. They beat Morocco in their opener thanks to a late own goal, but in all honesty they didn’t deserve to take the points there. Morocco were far the better side and should have won it.

Iran followed this with a 1-0 defeat to Spain, which is a respectable scoreline against the European giants but not one that reflected the course of the game. They offered next to nothing going forward and spent most of the 90 minutes camped inside their own box. It did prove effective for a lot of the game, but with them needing a win against Portugal they will need to be a bit more adventurous here.

This could play into Portugal’s hands though. They were maligned for their negative style of play in the European Championships two years ago, but they served up the game of the tournament so far as they drew 3-3 with Spain in their first match. It was a thrilling encounter and is unlikely to be topped in the entertainment department.

Portugal followed this with a more low key 1-0 win over Morocco, but again it was Cristiano Ronaldo who stole the show. He scored the only goal of that game to add to his hat trick against Spain, and he has now scored each of Portugal’s last five World Cup goals. The Real Madrid forward is now Europe’s all-time leading goalscorer at international level, and we’re backing him to score again here.

We’re fully expecting a Portugal win here. Iran have looked poor so far, and with them needing a victory to progress, their usually compact defending will be forced to open up. Backing the Portugal win here looks the best choice, along with a 2-0 correct score predictions.

Iran Predicted Lineup: Beiranvand, Rezaeian, Pouraliganji, Hosseini, Hajsafi, Ezatolahi, Ebrahimi, Amiri, Ansarifard, Taremi, Azmoun

Portugal Predicted Lineup: Patricio, Soares, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro, Moutinho, Carvalho, B. Silva, Mario, Ronaldo, A. Silva