Portugal vs Iran Preview

Well this could be a very interesting game, Portugal and Iran both know that a win would guarantee either side a place in the Round of Sixteen. Spain also know that they have to get something from the Moroccan game to qualify and as Morocco are already out of the World Cup, they will hope to cruise to the knockout rounds. Portugal only just beat Morocco 1-0 with an early Ronaldo header and if not for some good defending and some brilliant saves from Patricio, they would not have come out of the game with a win. Guerreiro was very poor and will need to sort himself out against Iran. Ronaldo will hope to score more goals as now Harry Kane tops the Golden Boot table after his hattrick against Panama and also to carry his team even further as he has scored all four of Portugal’s goals at the Wolrd Cup. There should be a lot of attacking football with both sides having slightly fragile defences and perhaps an underdog story? Only time can tell…

PREDICTED LINEUP:

Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio

He was outstanding against Morocco and will keep his place over Anthony Lopes.

Defenders: Cedric Soares, Pepe, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro

They will keep their spots but need to tighten up a lot more and will aim to get their second clean sheet of the World Cup. Pepe also needs to sort out the diving off the ball, it’s pathetic really. 

Midfield Three: William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho, Joao Mario

They were average against Morocco but Portugal need the more playmaking midfielders to give Ronaldo good service to create chances. 

Forward Three: Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo

While Bernardo Silva was a ghost against Morocco and needs to step up and so does Guedes if he wants to be taken seriously by PSG or Valencia, if he decides to return. Ronaldo is ever present in ther Portugal lineup and will probably take them through to the Round of Sixteen.