Pasamela!
Day 7.
Game 18, 19, and 20.
Portugal - Morocco
20th June 13:00
Ronaldo's Portugal face off against Herve Renard's Morocco in what is a crunch match in group B. Portugal will need Ronaldo to continue his goal scoring form if they are to make a big leap towards qualification, whereas Morocco will need more luck than they got from the Iran game. Morocco will almost certainly be out of the tournament if they lose, with Spain sure to beat Iran. Portugal on the other hand will know a win will all but secure them a place in the second round, although they will be aiming for a top place finish.
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| Same again for Ronaldo |
Last Time:
Portugal 3-3 Spain
Morocco 0-1 Iran
In what has undoubtedly been the match of the World Cup so far, Portugal drew with Spain after an incredible six goals were scored. The Portuguese once again relied on Cristiano Ronaldo to fire them into the lead after a 4th minute penalty, they were then pegged back twice before the Real Madrid man smashed in an 88th minute free kick to secure the points were shared. However, it was Spain who looked the better side throughout the match, even with the chaos that seems to still be going on behind the scenes. Portugal may need a few other players to step up if they are going to progress against Morocco, as surely Ronaldo cannot do it again.
Morocco are hugely up against it after their defeat to Iran. However, they were massively unlucky to leave with nothing after being the better side for large parts of the game. Going forward they will obviously have to be more potent in front of goal, and will rely on youngster Hakim Ziyech to provide the goods after a lively start vs Iran.
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| Ziyech Morocco's main threat |
Pre Match Predictions:
With both sides needing to win one would fancy goals in this one. Morocco will have to show a little more belief going forward than last time out, and manager Renard will surely have a change of tactics to ensure that happens. Portugal will be expecting Ronaldo to provide the goods once again, and they should score. A score draw seems most likely, as Morocco will want to break the leaky, aging Portuguese defence.
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score - 11/10 (SkyBet)
Uruguay - Saudi Arabia
20th June 16:00
Uruguay will go into their second match in great spirits after their deserved last minute winner against Egypt, especially after watching how Saudi Arabia performed last time v Russia. Saudi Arabia will be desperate to show the world they are better than their last match, while Uruguay will need a win to try and stop the hosts securing top spot.
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| Cavani goals incoming? |
Last Time:
Uruguay 1-0 Egypt
Saudi Arabia 0-5 Russia
Uruguay's last gasp winner against Egypt was thoroughly deserved. The South Americans were the better side throughout, even with Luis Suarez faltering on a number of occasions. Edinson Cavani was the liveliest, hitting the bar, and having a volley brilliantly saved. Egypt were happy with a point and sat back determined to get just that so it may be a completely different prospect going up against a side who will need to score. Their midfield struggled to create chances for Cavani and Suarez last time, with the former having to drop back far too much.
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| Suarez to be better |
Saudi Arabia were surprisingly poor against Russia. Going into half time just 2-0 down, one would have expected them to put up much more of a fight, however, they looked beaten after an hour was played and rolled over, letting Russia put three more past what looks like the worst goalkeeper at the tournament.
Pre Match Predictions:
Uruguay will surely have much more luck in front of goal than they did vs Egypt. With Saudi Arabia needing a win, Cavani and Suarez will find a lot more room and are expected to score. Saudi will be lucky to find a way through the hugely experienced Uruguayan defence and Uruguay should win to nil.
Best Bet: Uruguay to Win to Nil and Suarez and Cavani to Score - 3/1 (PaddyPower)
Iran - Spain
20th June 19:00
Fernando Hierro's Spain take on Iran in the most intriguing game of the day. Iran will be keen to prove they didn't strike lucky against Morocco, whereas Spain will be hoping for much of the same but without having to face Ronaldo. A point will be perfect for Iran, as they look to upset the group, and Spain will be forced to try and outscore Portugal to go for top spot.
Last Time:
Iran 1-0 Morocco
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| Costa golden boot contender |
Spain 3-3 Portugal
Spain's performance against Portugal shocked many. There was expected to be an element of nerves after all that has gone on behind the scenes in recent days, however, Spain looked like their old selves with a brilliant attacking performance. It was only Ronaldo who troubled them, with a penalty, free kick and freak mistake from David De Gea. Diego Costa looked to be on superb form with two goals, and with the experienced midfield behind him he will be looking to rival Ronaldo for the golden boot.
Iran on the other hand can count themselves a bit lucky to currently be top of the group. It was a last gasp own goal from Bouhaddouz that won them the three points against the run of play. They did keep Morocco out and looked fairly solid in defence so will be hoping they can carry that onto the Spain game.
Pre Match Predictions:
Iran will look to defend and keep another clean sheet. Spain, on the other hand will want to carry on their goal scoring form. Now we have teams needing a win in the second round of games, goals will come a plenty. With Costa on form, Spain should coast past the Iranians and goals are to be expected.
Best Bet: Diego Costa to Score - EVENS (bet365)
@andy_hayden
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