Iran vs. Morocco Prediction
If there was a must-win that could be labeled on any game in the group stage of the World Cup, today’s fixture between Iran and Morocco fits the bill with two powerhouses comprising the other half of Group B. Will favored Morocco get the victory today or is a bet on Iran a better play?
Game Snapshot
97806 Iran at 97807 Morocco
Friday, June 15, 2018
Fisht Olympic Stadium at 11AM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, Morocco is a +125 favorite to win on the moneyline. Iran is a +275 underdog, while a bet on a draw is at +200. The total is set at 2 goals.
Iran enters in impressive fashion
While the Iranians might be getting overlooked, they are playing some impressive soccer en route to the World Cup as they went 12-0-6 in World Cup qualifying and recorded 14 clean sheets. Striker Sardar Azmoun is the key threat up front as he has tallied 23 goals in 31 national appearances. If Iran is to get the three points here, Azmoun will probably need to find the back of the net. The Iranians will be without suspended defensive midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi. There are other fitness problems on the squad as well.
Morocco strong on back end
Iran isn’t the only team coming in with an impressive defense, which shows in the total for this contest only being two goals. A physical defense is hoping for the return from injury of right back Nabil Dirar, who missed friendlies against Slovakia and Estonia. Up front, forward Ayoub El Kaabi lead the way as he has manufactured 10 goals in eight national team appeareances. With this being arguably the hardest group in the World Cup due to Portugal and Spain on the other side, the favored Moroccans know it needs three points in order to have a shot to advance.
Prediction:
Expect this to be a 1-0, 1-1 or 2-0 game in some form. I’d be very surprised if it goes over the total. In that sense, betting on the under two is perfectly acceptable. But I’m looking for a bit more bang for my buck here. I’ll be instead hoping for that 1-1 score or even a 0-0 draw. Because I think a tie is a definite possibility with these two teams being fairly evenly matched.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: IRAN/MOROCCO DRAW +200