World Cup Predictions Group B – Portugal to fail to progress?

World Cup Predictions Group B by Dan Smith

Arsenal have Monreal in the Spain squad….

Spain -1st
Many have taken Spain’s failure to win their last two tournaments as a sign that their football philosophy has been worked out. The possession-based/tippy tappy style once praised so highly, now criticised for over indulgence and trying to walk the ball into the back of the net. There may still be hint of a lack of plan B but you can see by the names left out this is still a unit capable of beating anyone on their day. Portugal is viewed as the game of match day 1, whoever wins will fancy topping group B.

Morocco -2nd
Call this my outside bet of the group stages. Morocco are one of several African sides praised for the progress they have shown in the last couple of years. A technically confident unit Portugal would not want to face them having lost to Spain

Portugal -3rd
It’s not very often you go into a World Cup where the current European Champions are so less fancied. That’s not taking away their achievement in France. So often relying on Ronaldo, they found the right balence two years ago in France, the Real Madrid striker learning how to be a decent captain. The fact is though they were not easy on the eye and relied on ridiculous UEFA rules where 3 draws got them through their group. They will have to play better to do well in Russia

Iran -4th
Bet of World Cup – Iran 9-1 not to score any goals. They will need to pull off an upset in their opener else it’s Spain and Portugal next. Have earned some credit for being a side who do not concede many goals but this is surely a step up in competition to far.