World Cup Preview Group B

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The 2018 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner. After a great display at the 2014 rendition, the USMNT  will be looking to prove they are among the best in the world. With some fresh faces in this year’s tournament, as well as a few heavy favorites, here is the complete breakdown of the field of 32.

Group B - Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran

Portugal

Odds to win: 20 - 1

Finish in 2014 WC: Finished 3rd in Group G

Most Important Player: After a disappointing loss to eventual champs Germany, Portugal were licking their chops as they got to play the measly USA next game. A Seleção were poised to take all three points and then - 

(JONES FROM OUTSIDE). The Portuguese and crash out of the tournament. Ronaldo finished with one goal and one assist, and largely took the blame for his countries failure. Fast Forward to Euro 2016, and CR7 was basically a injured player-coach helping his team lift the cup. Portugal may not have been the best team, but they won the games that mattered. The man is about to be 33 years old and, besides a slight downtick in output this season, he has been at his best. Look for him to be the main point of attack for his nation, and be the difference maker in the group stage.

Why they have a chance to win:

Cristiano Ronaldo's Resume -

5x Ballon D'Or
1x Euro
4x UCL
3x EPL
2x La Liga
2x Copa Del Rey
1x FA Cup
3x Club WC
0x WORLD CUP

2018 may be Ronaldo's last good chance at winning the World Cup, and given their group, it seems likely they will at least advance. Their opening match against Spain could mean very little if they can win their remaining games with Morocco and Iran. I think that winning a WC would give Ronaldo a platform for saying he is better than Messi, if not the best in history. Look for Ronaldo to produce at least one special goal, as is his standard!

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Portugal have been thwarted at international tournaments so many years in a row, and the success at Euro 2016 may have been their peak. Although they did only have 1 loss in qualifying (opening game against the Swiss), more importantly they only have up 4 goals in 10 games! Then again...they had a group with the Faroe Islands, Latvia, and Andorra. Spain will of course provide a big opening group match, but if Morocco or Iran can cause the Portuguese to slip up, it could be curtains for Ronaldo's bunch.

Spain

Odds to win: 7-1

Finish in 2014 WC: 3rd in Group B

Most Important Player: Sergio Ramos, our first defender to make the Most Important Player list, is crucial to the success of Spain. He and Gerard Pique have battled for over a decade at the club level for the crown of La Liga, but are now looking at maybe their last opportunity to win on the international stage. I was going to include Pique in this section, but Ramos recently broke the La Liga red card record with 24 ejections in his career. For Spain to be successful throughout the World Cup, he needs to be on the pitch...not elbowing people in the face.

Why they have a chance to win: The 2008 Euro, 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euro champions have proven, with their mix of decorated veterans and young guns, they always have a chance to win. This is last chance for veterans like David Silva and Andres Iniesta, who were vital to the Tika Taka Takeover that rose Spain to international glory. Undefeated in qualifying, it feels like this Spain team has too many household names to list. No matter the roster they name for the tournament, their will undoubtedly be big-name players left at home. This team is deep at every position, with so many play makers who can take over a game. Spain are also the 4th highest odds to win the World Cup, and given their relatively easy group, I see them at least making the Round of 16. I also have to mention that 4 of the 11 Spanish starters could be coming from Barcelona alone, who are STILL undefeated in the league, and could be favorites for the UEFA Champions League title. 

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: The Spanish capitulation at the 2014 World Cup was unprecedented. This team was primed for another big run, even being favorites in a top heavy group with the Netherlands and Chile involved. They subsequently crumbled to the Dutch 5-1 and were held goalless against Chile in a 2-0 loss to finish the group. The world has now seen the Spain at their best, and at their worst. And it could be another case of falling apart when it matters most, especially with current Euro winners Portugal poised to continue their form.

Morocco

Odds to win: 250-1

Finish in 2014 WC: Last qualified in 1998

Most Important Player: TIE - Hakim Ziyech/Sofiane Boufal. The two 24 year-old midfielders are creative play makers and could cause havoc for defenses. The main issue is who is going to be scoring goals, with only one player on their roster having more than 10 goals for their country.

Why they have a chance to win: A strong defensive presence in Mehdi Benatia, and a roster full of midfielders, could be a solid spine that may cause other team's some issues. They were also undefeated in their qualifying group with the Ivory Coast and Gabon (Aubameyang). Could be a group wild card, and will be hoping for one good result against either Portugal or Spain that could spell a Round of 16 advancement this summer.

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Not a household international team, Morocco will definitely struggle with the quality of Spain and Portugal. Morocco's best players do play in Europe's Top 5 Leagues, but they aren't really household names either. I just can't see Morocco doing anything more than being a speed bump for Portugal and Spain. 

Iran

Odds to win: 250-1

Finish in 2014 WC: 4th in Group F

Most Important Player: Much like Saudi Arabia, I haven't followed Iran, and they seem like an unknown this summer. The majority of their players operate in the domestic Iranian league, but all of their forwards play abroad. This could play in their favor as Sardar Azmoun (23) and Karim Ansarifard (27), are #1 and #3 in active goalscorers, respectively. Azmoun plies his trade at Russian side Rubin Kazan, and at the ripe at of 23 (Literally turned 23 this month), he is ALREADY Iran's 5th highest goalscorer. Meanwhile I'm here writing about the World Cup. Don't worry...I'm not jealous.

Why they have a chance to win: Undefeated in qualifying, and only 2 goals against in 10 games! (I had no idea they performed so well) They have even less of a chance than Morocco, and maybe in an easier group, could have a chance to sneak out of qualifying. They will need every man playing out of their minds to take on a juggernaut like Spain and Portugal, but it could happen!

Why they don’t have a chance to advance past the group stage: Well, someone has to finish 4th in the group. Also their current captain is listed as unattached for a club. Not a great look when you have the reigning FIFA World's Best Player in your group :)

Group B:

4TR Sports Predicts
1. Spain

2. Portugal

3. Morocco

4. Iran


As always, let me know how wrong I definitely am, or what your group prediction is.

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