Spain have enjoyed an eventful campaign at World Cup 2018 so far. First La Roja lost their boss Julen Lopetegui just a few days before the tournament kicked-off. The one-time world champions then drew 3-3 with Iberian neighbours Portugal in their first Group B game.
On Wednesday night, Fernando Hierro’s temporary charges take on Asian nation Iran, as they look to get their World Cup campaign off the ground.
Iran surprised everybody by beating Morocco 1-0 in their first game. However, Carlos Queiroz’s team were confident heading into the competition. They built their qualification campaign on a solid defensive record. In fact, the Asian team have now kept clean sheets in 13 of their 14 World Cup games including qualifiers.
They are also unbeaten in 19 games in the World Cup including qualifiers. Their record in qualifying may have been positive, but the opening game win over Morocco was only their second victory at World Cup finals in 13 attempts.
Iran’s recent good record certainly faces a stern test against one of the best teams in the international game. Avoiding defeat in this one would give Queiroz’s side a major chance of making the knockout stages, which would be a big shock.
The first game draw against Portugal was not the worse result in the world for Hierro and his team. One of the main concerns ahead of Russia 2018 was the lack of a prolific striker. However, Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa grabbed himself a brace in the opener, so he may have found his mojo for the national team.
La Roja will be highly confident of recording of victory in this clash, as they know that anything other than a win could put their qualification for the knockout stages in doubt.
The European giants should have too much quality for the Asian team. Forebet agrees and predicts that Spain will record a big win over the early group leaders.