FIFA WC 2018: Group B- Preview

Group B – Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran

2010 World Cup Champions–Spain, in an attempt to defend their crown bowed out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil at the group stage as the Netherlands ran riot over them in the first game and later on Chile guided them to the exit door. Following their exit in the 2016 Euro Cup at the quarter-final stage saw Vicente Del Bosque stepping downs as their coach.

With Julen Lopetegui taking over the reins, has injected the 2018 Spanish World Cup squad with a boost of youth-centric players such as Isco, Asensio, and Thiago who will be backed by the core of– Ramos, Pique, Busquets, Iniesta, and Silva. However, the likes of Marcos Alonso, Alvaro Morata and Cesc Fabregas who won the FA Cup with Chelsea and Ander Herrera along with Hector Bellerin couldn’t find a place for them in Lopetegui’s squad. Diego Costa looks like a sure starter in the playing XI alongside Valencia striker –Rodrigo and with English Premier League’s 2017/18 season Golden Glove award winner – David De Gea in the goal should see the ‘La Roja’ safely into the next round.

Sharing the group with Spain are the 2016 Euro Champions – Portugal. The number 4 seeded side in the competition is bolstered by the return of Manchester City midfielder – Bernardo Silva, who was ruled out of the Euro 2016 squad due to injuries. Renato Sanches who was the breakout star for Portugal in Euro 2016 will watch the World Cup from afar after missing the cut. Likewise, Eder who scored the extra-time winning goal in the Euro 2016 final against France and also veteran winger Nani who was part of the Euro 2016 squad will not travel to Russia for the World Cup.

With Cristiano Ronaldo, Andre Silva, Ricardo Quaresma and Bernardo Silva, the Portuguese attack looks like a formidable one. Their only concern will be the age factors of their central defenders Bruno Alves, Pepe and Jose Fonte who are 36, 35 and 34 respectively and might be prone to injuries. Portugal coach, Fernando Santos who led the team to European glory two years ago, will be looking to emulate the same feat at the grandest stage.

Iran goes into this group as the dark horses. With no big names in their side, Iran will eventually look to take the game deep into the fag end and who knows, with a solitary goal might also cause an upset over the big heavyweights.

Morocco will have to bank over some stalemate results and will have to produce at least a win to see them progress into the next round.

Teams likely to qualify into the next round – Spain and Portugal

AUSTIN DIAS | NT GoGoaNow