2018 World Cup Betting Prediction: Iran vs. Portugal Odds

Iran can advance to the knockout stage for the first time ever at a World Cup but they must defeat the defending Euro Cup champions and the world’s best player to turn the dream into a reality. Portugal will advance out of Group B with either a win or a draw.

Iran vs. Portugal Odds and Betting Analysis

World Cup betting odds: Portugal -187
Date: June 25, 2:00 PM ET
Morodovia Arena, Saransk, Russia

Portugal are 1-0-1 in their first two matches in Russia but their early performances are far from dominant. They lost the possession battle against Spain and Morocco and have scored four goals on just six total shots on target.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the man behind all four of those goals but is now behind England’s Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot award. Sports Interaction lists Ronaldo at -111 to score at any time during the match and +263 to open the scoring.

Scoring goals against Iran is no easy feat. Team Melli have allowed just five goals in their last 18 competitive fixtures. Oddsmakers see this match as a low-scoring affair with the under 2.5-goals priced at -179.

Portugal need only a draw to advance to the knockout stages and would likely face Russia in the next round should they fail to pick up three points against Iran. Russia own a +7 goal differential after their first two group matches but they are a far less talented squad than Group A’s Uruguay.

Iran

Team Melli are extremely fortunate to have a chance to advance to the next round at the World Cup. They have just two shots on target in two matches and they won 1-0 against Morocco thanks to an own goal. Is their attack strong enough to score against Portugal? Sports Interaction lists Iran at -132 to fail to score against the Navigators.

Portugal

Portugal and Spain are heavy favourites to advance but it’s a coin toss as to which team will finish first in the group.

Spain are tops in Group B after the first two group stage matches because they have fewer cards than Portugal, but if La Rojas draw even on cards with Portugal and both sides win by the same margin on Monday, the winner of the group will be decided by drawing names from a hat.

Sports Interaction lists Spain as the faves at -214 with Portugal close behind at +161 to win Group B.

Iran vs. Portugal Prediction

Iran 0, Portugal 1

Iran have some quality forwards but their midfield hasn’t been giving the proper service. Portugal should control the possession game and then sit on their one-goal lead.