In a group that has Spain and Portugal, Group B World Cup (WC) 2018 action will kick-start with a match between two defensive-minded teams in Morocco and Iran. Both sides should, however, be gunning for full points or risk early elimination.Morocco boast a deceptively talented squad littered with talented midfielders. A side that hasn’t lost in more than 12 months and 18 games (W14, D4) should give the other teams in the group some cause for concern.
Most of these wins have been over superior opposition, including the likes of Egypt, South Korea, and Serbia. With the exciting Ayoub El Kaabi (11 goals in ten international games) leading the line, Morocco will hope for a positive start.
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Iran haven’t really set things alight at the WC, winning just once in the finals in 12 games (W1, D3, L8). They did impress in the qualification campaign this time however, conceding just twice in ten matches.
Their pre-tournament friendlies, however, haven’t gone to plan with two losses in five games. Even in their recent 1-0 win against Lithuania, they looked laborious. This loss of form could be their bane as they hope to upset Morocco.This will be the first time these sides face each other.
Players to watch: Khalid Boutaib has seven goals for Morocco and could start, while Iran’s hopes will be on Eredivisie top-scorer Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
Stat attack: Iran have drawn their previous two WC games against African opposition, while Morocco lost once to Asian opposition.