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Frank Augstein / Associated Press
Spain and Portugal will offer first place in Group B at the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Monday.
La Roja and Selecao are tied on four points and on the goal difference, having shot 3-3 against each other and won 1-0 against Iran and Morocco, respectively, in their second matches.
Portugal will face Iran on Monday, while Spain will face the North African team.
In Group A, Uruguay will face Russia, with six points each, and the round of 16. The first place will go to the winners or the host country if it is a draw, thanks to their superior goal difference.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt will play in the other Group A match, apparently for the pride of both teams, but to ensure a point in the tournament.
Here is the schedule, with the display details and the score predictions for each:
- 15 hours TSB/ 10 hours ET Uruguay vs. Russia (Group A): ITV, Fox (2-1)
- 15 hours TSB/ 10 h Saudi Arabia vs. Egypt (Group A): ITV, FS1 (1-1)
- 7:00 p.m. TSB/ 2 am ET Spain vs Morocco (Group B): BBC, Fox (2-0)
- 7:00 p.m. TSB/ 2 am ET Iran vs. Portugal (Group B): BBC, FS1 (0-1)
In the UK, the action will be broadcast via the BBC website or the ITV Hub. In the United States, the action will be broadcast via Fox Soccer 2GO.
Spain vs. Morocco
Morocco was somewhat unhappy at the World Cup, having controlled possession and chances in their two matches and unable to leave with a single point.
A goal against his side Aziz Bouhaddouz was hotly disputed at the opening of the match against Iran, while Portugal managed to hold on after taking the advantage in the 4th minute thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo.
The football writer Michael Cox feels for the Atlas Lions, but does not expect that they get anything from Spain:
La Roja was not at his best in his 1-0 win against Iran, thanks to a lucky ricochet as they struggled to knock down their opponents.
Having been in first place for most of their first two matches, Morocco will now be forced to stay out while Spain dictates the game, and they may have trouble keeping their illustrious opposition as well as Iran.
This could be particularly the case if Isco is back on his game, after he's distinguished himself in the last match:
Squawka Football @Squawka
Isco's #WorldCup game in figures vs. numbers. #IRN:
137 keys
103 passes
92% accuracy of passage
9 entries
7 crosses
4 shots
2 mistakes won
2 wins earned
1 chance createdIsco fever. ? https://t.co/SbV8JFmEnR
If the Atlas Lions let themselves open defensively, he, Andres Iniesta and David Silva should have little trouble separating them.
Iran against Portugal
Portugal can dominate the group as it beats Iran and overtakes Spain, but a win for its opponents could allow Selecao to return home.
Fox Sports' Keith Costigan is eager to watch both sides:
Keith Costigan @KeithCostigan
It will be interesting to see this Iranian team against Portugal. Some twists in this upcoming group
Iran has made heroic efforts to prevent Spain from playing its last game and was unlucky enough not to keep blank sheets.
The football writer Karl Matchett hailed their defensive performance:
Karl Matchett @karlmatchett
This game plan of Iran was perfect. He worked to defend every Spanish attack situation. S 'attack, blocks, press, everything.
Except that one of those defensive moments ricocheted. Very hard on them, very lucky for Spain that has to offer more.
#IRN #ESP
The Portuguese are not without creativity, but they can not dissect a back line in the same way as La Roja, so they could fight here if they are not able to reach a goal early in the game. match.
Ronaldo is in good shape with four goals in his first two games, and he could make the difference in another tight game.
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