World Cup 2018 GROUP B FINAL GAMES: Iran 1-1 Portugal: Spain 2-2 Morocco

Both dramatic games with late equalisers, but in the end the favourites came out on top thanks to VAR. But both Morocco and Iran should be applauded for the way they played, and perhaps if they weren’t drawn in a group with two of Europe’s most in-form powerhouses, things might have been different.

They Finished 32nd (LAST): MOROCCO

It’s over for the North Africans, but they will be forgiven for wondering how. 

They played well in both games, narrowly losing them both by a goal, entertaining in both games.

And yet 2 games, 2 defeats is the kind of return that sees you returning home early. 

After the small matter of a game against Spain, which, if they win, could see the Spaniards joining them on the trip west and home.

So, still something to play for, if not glory.

World Cup 2018: Portugal 1-0 Morocco

Super harsh on Morocco to be the first team knocked out of World Cup 2018. They have entertained. They were unlucky against Iran and here too, as for great swathes they were the best team. A brave bullet header from Ronaldo, a player you might have heard of, settled the game, Narrowly. But it has to be said Morocco were really unlucky.

The Armchair Predicted:

Portugal 2-1 Morocco

11 and 7

World Cup 2018: Morocco 0-1 Iran

To the constant hum and chirp of horns and blasters, Group A opened in entertaining style with both teams knowing it was win or bust here, what with Portugal and Spain awaiting.

Morocco went for it from the off and were unlucky not to score, but Iran proved why they qualified so well with super stolid defending and lightning quick counter attacking.

The awkward timing of the kick off meant The Armchair was on his way home from the office during the final 20 minutes, so missed Iran seal the win. A win he was delighted to hear about, given his prediction (below)

The Armchair Predicted: 

Morocco 0-1 Iran

Who Will Qualify From Group B in World Cup 2018?

The World Cup Group B teams

SPAIN 

MOROCCO

IRAN 

PORTUGAL

This one is going to be close. Really close. Seriously.

Why? Because I can't think of another time when so few miles have ever separated the 4 teams in the same World Cup group.

This is how close things are:

Iran’s a little way away admittedly, but the other three are virtually neighbours. Spain and Portugal actually are. That's how close Group Be is going to B

When it comes to matters on the pitch, this is unlikely to be a close group, with a clear top two and bottom two.

Even with Ronaldo missing the tournament, which he might, you’d still fancy the Euro 2016 winners to accompany their next door neighbours Spain into the Round of 16.

Of course, both have to play each other, first up, in the first week’s biggest game, serving up a big derby early on. The winner wins the group but odds have to be sky high that this ends a draw.

Despite the winners of the last three European Championships residing in this group, I don’t see the World Cup winners coming from here. Portugaldo peaked 2 years ago, a few years after this generation of Spanish players.

BETTING:

MY PREDICTED World Cup 2018 GROUP B Finishing Positions

1:  SPAIN

2:  PORTUGAL

3:  Iran

4:  Morocco

And even if that's totally wrong, well, you've just had a free geography lesson!