Any questions around Spain’s legitimacy as a World Cup contender were promptly answered in their opener against Portugal. Despite the result, La Roja were the better team and one of the most impressive Matchday 1 competitors. If not for an intervention by the crossbar on a wonder strike from Isco and an otherworldly performance from CR7, Spain would be atop Group B alongside Iran. Spain remains the favorite to win Group B which can be had at -165.
That’s right, Iran leads Group B with the three points they took off Morocco as +275 underdogs. A heartbreaking own goal at the death leaves Morocco in a very tough spot and the Iranians with a glimmer of hope to escape the group. Iran’s price to advance to the Round of 16 is now at +275.
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- Spain completed 92% of its passes vs Portugal.
- Iran had 0 attempts on goal from open play vs Morocco.
- Spain had 10 attempts on goal from open play vs Portugal.
Sportsbook is currently offering Spain as betting favorites in moneyline markets at -650 with Iran coming back as massive underdogs at +2000 and the draw sitting at +650. The total is sitting at 2.5 with OVER 2.5 priced at -130 and UNDER at +110.
SOLD ON SPAIN
I was among many pundits to suggest that the only crack in Spain’s armor was at the striker position, and I couldn’t be happier to have been wrong.
Diego Costa’s brace against a traditionally stingy Portuguese back line has me believing the Spanish fully deserve the jump they took in World Cup futures to +450, sitting behind only Brazil to emerge from Russia as champions.
Ronaldo’s brilliance was something to behold, but consider the types of goals Spain conceded before you question them defensively: a penalty, a miscue from one of the best keepers on the planet and a jaw-dropping free kick that will be etched in history for many years to come.
Certainly Iran features offensive threats, and as was evident in their Sportsbook match, they will look to weather any pressure and unleash pacey winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh on the counter.
Spain will dominate this match and I expect a wide margin of victory as well. Give me Spain on the -1.5 goal spread at -150.
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