World Cup 2018 Preview - Group B

Group B is arguably one of the more lopsided foursomes in the World Cup football tournament. With Spain and Portugal occupying two of the available spots, the remaining nations must not get overwhelmed by these high profile countries.

Although history has shown upsets will happen when least expected, we must never assume that any side has an automatic entry into the Round of 16.

Before World Cup action begins, I'll break down each of the Groups looking for value, betting angles and offering predictions for advancement. Group B features perennial powers Spain, two longshots in Morocco and Iran, and 2016 Euro Champs Portugal.

Group B - Preview

Iran

Iran make their second consecutive trip to the World Cup, after becoming the first Nation to qualify for Russia from the Asian bracket, "Team Melli" are determined to have a better showing than what was produced in Brazil 2014.

Carlos Queiroz has created a defensive juggernaut, the "Persian Stars" recorded 12 clean sheets during qualifiers, playing with a patient style that calls for absorbing much of the applied pressure, while looking to strike of the counter attack when the opportunity presents itself.

The Portuguese head man has plenty of experience at managing on the highest level, having led three different nations to the World Cup, while serving time with European giants Real Madrid, and Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Queiroz has preferred a 4-2-3-1 formation during his time with Iran, but as of late the "Princes of Persia" have changed their style to a 4-3-3 alignment, which has created a more free flowing attacking side, that includes pressing high and creating more chances to score than in a normal shift.

Forwards Karim Ansarifard and Sardar Azmoun could benefit most from the new offensive design, the skillful strikers have often been limited in showcasing their true potentials, but if Iran take this aggressive style into Russia, we could see this duo causing problems to opposing back-lines.

With many of the Iranian players perfecting their crafts in European leagues, they will not be intimidated by the level of competition they will face from match to match, expect a determined effort from each member of the squad that get the nod in the starting eleven.

Morocco

The "Lions of the Atlas" are back in the World Cup after a 20 year absence, the African side still hold the distinction of the first team from the nation to make the Round of 16.

Now the Moroccans are looking to make another historic run, after failing to concede a goal during qualifications, their gritty defensive mindset could prove to play into their favor under the current tournament format.

Hervé Renard has shown his tactics could be hard to watch at times, but they are effective when needing points in a qualification scenario, now the French man has done what his predecessors were unable to do, guiding Morocco back onto the games grandest stage.

The strength of the squad starts in the back, playing out of a 4-5-1 formation, Karim El Ahmadi, M'barek Boussoufa, Mehdi Benatia, Hakim Ziyech and Nordin Amrabat offer a top notch work rate, while using their overall intelligence to contain potent offensive attacks.

The Atlas Lions will have issues placing the ball in the back of the net, with a limited amount of high quality target men, Attacking Midfielder Hakim Ziyech will carry much of those responsibilities, the Ajax man has earned a reputation as an all around offensive player, Ziyech has the ability to take over a match from his number 10 role.

Sofiane Boufal could also play a integral role if given the chance to shine, the Premier League player has shown glimpses of his true qualities this season, getting consistent time on the pitch will be his largest obstacle to overcome,  Boufal though could prove big for a squad that are in need of attacking talents.

Morocco are another team that is built for tournaments, where so often goals are at a premium, which plays right into their African's wheel house. The true test will be consistently scoring goals, as they look to stack points and upset the establishment.

Portugal

The Portuguese travel to Russia as the reigning Euro 2016 champions, Seleção shocked many by lifting the European trophy two summers ago. Now with the bulk of the squad intact, along with one of the top players in the world on their side, Portugal believe they have the experience and desire to win their second major trophy ever.

Fernando Santos will get his first shot at leading Portugal to the World Cup, taking over in 2014 after poor showings by the Portuguese in Brazil, Santos is confident his team can continue to write their own history.

Seleção are a powerful unit going forward, aligned in a 4-4-2 - 4-4-1-1 formation, the attack centers around Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The famed striker has proven he rises to the occasion on the largest stage, having dominated during Champions League fixtures, Ronaldo will carry a heavy burden with the overall success of the National Team, with 38 Goals and 7 Assists during the 2017-2018 campaign, the Universal Superstar will no doubt be the center of attention in Russia.

Santos fortunely has a more talented squad than in years past, Bernardo Silva and André Silva should help lift much of the load off Ronaldo. The Man City and AC Milan men have spent much of their current seasons on the bench, the opportunity to get valuable minutes in front of the worlds eyes generally motivates players to take their games to a different level.

Portugal are in the second tier to lift Silverware in July, but underestimating this team often proves to be a mistake. Do not over-look the Portuguese to make a deep run on Russian soil.

Spain

The Group favorites hold that distinction for good reason, the 2010 World Cup winners continue to cultivate their talent within their squad.

"La Furia" will land in Russia full of confidence, after breezing through qualifiers to earn yet another spot in the field, the Spaniards get great value to lift their second major trophy over the last 8 years.

Julen Lopetegui will carry a heavy burden going into his first Wold Cup, after replacing legendary manager Vicente del Bosque in 2016, Lopetegui's every move will be under a microscope during his time in Russia.

The Red Fury play a elegant brand of football, potent in the attack with a devastating 4-3-3 formation, Diego Costa, Isco and Asensio have been excellent on the front-line. Playing off one another with great success, the partnership will give opposing defenses nightmares when in full effect.

David Silva and Iniesta are rolled over from the old guard. These brilliant Midfielders read the game better than most, their creativity with the ball at their feet will be apparent to those who recognize pure genius.

This may be the last run we see the partnership in a major competition, and we should enjoy watching the Spanish duo picking their opponents apart, while creating opportunities for their efficient danger men.

The Spanish back-line possess a weapon between the sticks, GK - David De Gea has become one of, if not the best, keepers in the world.

Perfecting his craft at Manchester United, the Red Devils net minder relishes wearing the National Team crest on his chest,  De Gea gives the Spain defense an added advantage each time he is in the starting eleven.

Spain own the most complete team in the Group. Their path to the Round of 16 should rarely be tested, with a plethora of talent laced throughout the 23 man squad. Keeping each player happy with playing time may be a larger dilemma, keep your eyes on  "La Furia", as they have the potential to win it all in Russia.

Group B - Prediction

This Group seems pretty clear cut as to whom should advance, with Spain and Portugal occupying two of the four spots. Odds would say back the duo and your investment would be safe, but pay attention to Morocco, who play the perfect style of football to grind out results in a tournament format, while getting a great price to make the Round of 16.

Iran have shown well during qualifiers, and their manager demands they play throughout Europe to get as much experience as possible. Even so, they look to be outclassed in this Group. Look for a spirited effort from the Asian representatives, but backing them to advance looks to be a ultimate long shot.

Best Of Luck To All