Group B looks like the section to really get the World Cup going with a bang, and despite the geographical proximity between the nations – with Portugal and Spain sharing a border and Morocco just across the sea from Andalucia – the competitive nature of the section means that relations will be anything but neighbourly.
There are also numerous intriguing sub-plots, with former Portugal head coach Carlos Queiroz now in charge of Iran, who make up the group. To say that some of the Portugal players won’t be on his Christmas card list, and vice-versa, would be quite the understatement, with parting shots aimed in both directions when he quit in 2010.
The European giants will, of course, hog the limelight, and will be expected to progress, but Morocco and Iran qualified in impressive fashion.
TOP DOGS
It seems strange that Portugal, a side containing Cristiano Ronaldo and the reigning European champions, should not be considered favourites to top the group, but you cannot ignore the greater strength in depth of Spain. The Portuguese may have one star who eclipses all others in the section – and perhaps all but one in the world – but Spain can call on a truly world-class option in every position.
DARK HORSES
On the face of it, Morocco and Iran would seem to be battling it out for third place, but as outlined above, these are two footballing nations who are very much on the up. Morocco didn’t concede a goal as they topped their qualification group ahead of the Ivory Coast, and Iran were also unbeaten as they finished comfortably clear of South Korea on their way to Russia. They might not gatecrash the qualification places, but neither of these sides should be cannon fodder either, and Morocco in particular may cause an upset.
WOODEN SPOON CONTENDERS
As outlined above, despite the creditable showings that Morocco and Iran should be expected to produce, it very much looks like they will battle it out for third given the greater quality within the section. They face off in the opening round of fixtures, and that would appear to be the decisive match in determining who props up the standings.
CLASS ACTS
Ronaldo casts a huge shadow over the group of course, and it could very well be the 33-year-old’s last chance at winning a World Cup. It will, however, be the swansong from top-level football altogether for Spain’s midfield magician Andres Iniesta, the scorer of the goal that won the 2010 World Cup, who leaves Barcelona to play out his career in Japan after the tournament. The contrast in styles between the often brash but devastatingly brilliant style of Ronaldo with the unassuming, modest genius of Iniesta is stark, but both should be a joy to behold.
YOUNG BUCKS
There is no denying the talent of Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio, and at 22, it feels as though he could be arriving at this tournament at just the right time in his development. A classy operator with an eye for a spectacular goal from distance.
Elsewhere, 20-year-old Moroccan Amine Harit is an exciting talent. He represented France up until senior level and was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Year after making the switch from Nantes to Schalke.
SCOTTISH INTEREST
Veteran Rangers defender Bruno Alves has made the cut for Russia despite an indifferent first season in Scotland, and the 36-year-old may well form his familiar defensive partnership with 35-year-old Pepe once again.
CURIOSITY CORNER
Morocco coach Herve Renard, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia and the Ivory Coast before leading his side to Russia, was once sacked by Cambridge United after just 25 games in charge with them bottom of League Two.
SIGNIFICANT NUMBER
17 - Morocco go into the tournament with 17 players from their 23-man squad being born outside of the country, the largest contingent of foreign-born players in any squad in the World Cup.
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