For fans Spain’s first game was an entertainment winner. In fact, the 3-3 draw with Portugal had it all. But for Spain it bordered on a disaster. All three Portugal shots were failed to be saved. In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo scored the hat trick for the Portuguese. His third goal at the 86 minute mark staved off defeat. This came a day after Spain coach Julen Lopetegui was fired. It wasn’t that Lopetegui was a failure. It was that he accepted the Real Madrid job for after the World Cup. The sacking is a major Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup concern.
2018 FIFA World Cup Iran vs. Spain
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 20, 2018, 2 p.m. ET
Location: Kazan Arena, Kazan
World Cup Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | -2 (+113) | 2½ (-119) |  |
| Iran | +2 (-128) | 2½ (+104) | |
| |||
2018 FIFA World Cup TV Coverage: FOX
Spain so Far
The priorities of Spain should be criticized. The players did not want Lopetegui canned. And the timing could not be worse. What is even more damaging how misguided and emotional the decision is. Even more maddening is that Lopetegui developed the team into chalk status. After all, It’s the freaking World Cup. Sporting director Fernando Hierro takes over. He lacks Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup credibility. Hierro lacks experience. Not to mention handling World Cup sized egos of superstar players. Spain is overloaded with talent. They entered Russia as a top tier sportsbook online favorite.
Spain’s Defining Players
David Silva is a world class talent. He has been mentioned with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Sergio Ramos is a dominant defender. The team captain is the stalwart of the back end. But prone for cynical fouls. But Isco is likely to emerge as the man to focus on. This is his first World Cup. Nobody is a better dribbler. And Isco is superb with his final pass. Ball control is a staple of Spain. The skilled roster can manipulate the ball. Diego Costa scored two goals in the tie with Portugal. Nacho added one.
Iran so Far
Iran scored a 1-0 win over Morocco in their opener. The lone marker was in added time. It came in the 95th minute of play. An Iran free kick by Ehsan Hajsafi was accidently headed by a Morocco player into their own goal. Aziz Bouhaddouz was the unfortunate goat of the game. He will sadly go down in infamy. What is also ironic is that Bouhaddouz was a substitute at the time. And a player more capable of scoring or Iran than most of their own roster.
Iran’s Tough Road Ahead
Iran is in their second straight World Cup. Team Melli had a respectable performance at Brazil in 2014. They have bigger dreams for Russia. Coach Carlos Queiroz believes the squad is more capable. They are and always have been a defensive oriented team. But they do bring more offense in 2018. However, it is still lacking compared to other teams. Queiroz also juggles his lineup frequently. It serves to often cause frustration.
Matchup to Watch
Spain gets Bet on 2018 FIFA World Cup relief here. Plucky Iran is outclassed matchup wise here.
World Cup Betting Odds Picks
Spain should dominate this one.
World Cup Betting Online Pick: Spain
World Cup Betting Score Prediction Pick: Spain 3, Iran 0
Watch Iran’s “goal” scored for them by Morocco!