2018 World Cup Odds and Prediction: Group B Betting Preview

Group B houses the last three winners of the European Cup in Portugal and Spain. The two nations shouldn’t have any problem advancing past the Group Stage with Morocco and Iran standing in their way. Morocco are making their first appearance in the World Cup in 20 years while Iran will consider the tournament a success if they can pick up a single draw.

World Cup 2018 Group B Betting Odds

Odds to advance to the knockout stages: Spain (-1667), Portugal (-500), Morocco (+400), Iran (-1250)

In terms of betting on the World Cup, it’ll be a huge upset if Spain and Portugal don’t advance from Group B. Spain’s first 11 is world class at every position and Portugal possess Cristiano Ronaldo – the brightest individual talent and scorer in the sport.

Morocco conceded only one goal in qualifying games but their keeper, Munir Mohand Mohamedi, is a seldom used squad player for a second division league in Spain. Iran are playing in a second consecutive World Cup but top defensive midfielder Saeed Ezatolahi is suspended for Team Melli’s first match against Morocco.

The match to watch in this Group is between Spain and Portugal to see which team will secure first place in Group B. Both countries have ambitious goals in Russia and avoiding playing one of the big boys in the first knockout stage would go a long way in helping either team’s path to the final.

World Cup 2018 Group B Team Previews

Odds to win the World Cup: Spain (+598), Portugal (+2000), Morocco (+47,500), Iran (+58,700)

Spain are a lot like Canada in men’s hockey: They’re so deep, they could field an entire other group of players not on their 23-man roster, and that group would still be among the favourites to win the World Cup.  La Rojas are stacked at the back and midfield, but they haven’t found the right fit at striker since David Villa retired from the national team. Click here for our Spain Team Betting Preview.

Portugal are the defending European Cup champions and there is plenty of help on the forward line for Ronaldo. Central defence is the key worry for The Navigators. Real Madrid centre back Pepe is solid but his expected defensive partner, Bruno Alves, is 36 years old and coming off a disappointing season for Rangers. Sports Interaction’s Portugal Betting Preview is here. 

Morocco’s attacking midfield options could catch Spain and Portugal off guard if either team sleepwalks into the match. Hakim Ziyech is a young, gifted playmaker who helped Ajax reach the Europa League final in 2017.  Here’s a closer look at Morocco’s team for the 2018 World Cup.

Iran’s strength is upfront with their forward line but it’s doubtful manager Carlos Queiroz will be able to put many of them to use. Team Melli will likely park the bus and try to nick a goal off a set piece. Here’s our preview for Iran’s World Cup chances. 

World Cup Group B Players to Watch

Be on the lookout for Spanish midfielder Isco to pile up goals and assists in the Group Stage. He’s scored eight goals in his last nine appearances for his national team and he’s coming off a great season for defending Champions League winners Real Madrid.

World Cup odds have him at +2700 to win player of the tournament (Golden Ball trophy) and +3900 to win the top scorer (Golden Boot).

Group B Best Bets and Predictions

You’ve come to the wrong group if you’re looking for upsets and longshot bets cashing. We expect Group B to go exactly as projected with Spain and Portugal moving on and Morocco and Iran heading home after the Group Stage.

Morocco could give Portugal a scare but they don’t have the strength in the back to keep Ronaldo and Co. off the scoresheet. The draw is paying +287 in that match.

Spain might not cede possession once in their match against Iran. The Over (2.5 goals) should cash with just Spain’s output.