Iran needs a victory against Portugal, to seal progression to the knockout phases for the first time in their history. Team Melli showed plenty of spirit despite losing 1-0 to Spain. Iran set up defensively frustrating La Roja, and could have come away with a famous draw had Saeid Ezatolahi’s goal not been chalked off for being offside thanks to VAR.
Mehdi Taremi has been one of Iran’s stand out players in the two group games and the Al Gharafa striker will have to play well if his country is to reach the round of 16. Stationed on the right wing of a five-man midfield, Taremi put in a disciplined performance against Spain working hard defensively whilst being a threat on the rare times they went on the attack.
Iran Predicted Team
Beiranvand; Safi, Pouraliganji, Rezaeian, Hosseini; Ezatolahi, Amiri, Ebrahimi, Ansarifard, Taremi; Azmoun
How to watch Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT
TV Channel- MAX HD3
Kick-off- 21:00
Stadium Mordovia Arena, Saransk
As for Portugal, they just need one point to book their place in the round of sixteen. Portugal has Ronaldo to thank for their 1-0 victory over Morocco. The Real Madrid star came up with an important header early in the first half in what was otherwise a lacklustre performance against Morocco.
Now, Portugal will face a real challenge in breaking down Iran who will be relishing trying to halt the 2016 European Champions. More interestingly, Iran is managed by Carlos Queiroz who took Portugal to the 2010 World Cup he will be well placed to know how to outplay Portugal in Saransk.
As ever, Ronaldo will be the man to watch for Portugal against Iran. The Real Madrid man is now just behind Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot with four goals. A few more goals against Iran would push Ronaldo into the lead and bolster the already sky-high confidence of the player ahead of a potential round of sixteen game against Uruguay or Russia.
Portugal Predicted Team
Patricio; Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro; Soares, Carvalho, Moutinho, Silva, Mario; Guedes, Ronaldo
It promises to an Interesting contest as Iran look to book their place in the round of sixteen for the first time in their history take on Portugal in Saransk. Watch the Live & Exclusive stream of the game on MAX HD3 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
