Interesting game on the cards, two nations with an awkward history now lock horns in an incredibly sensitive environment. Iran can start to dream of qualification, while a lacklustre American side has it all to do.
To Win Match
Iran 3/1 | Draw 24/10 | USA 19/20
I’m not entirely sure why Iran keeps getting forgotten, and their ability often overlooked, but this is a side who have only lost three of their last 23 fixtures! This Iran side were brilliant against Wales – I would almost say that Iran was the better side for large parts of the game, and I should have buckled down and backed them…as opposed to opting out on a double chance prediction!
I appreciated that Iran went for it against Wales, but should they lose to the USA they will exit the tournament – so expect a more reserved showing this time around. Carlos Queiroz would likely appreciate a cagier game anyway, but this is where it begins to get a little tricky.
I might be guilty of this as well, but the USA seem to be riding their luck at times this World Cup – and still garner the support of the punter. They are winless in five games with four of them ending in draws.
I was impressed with the USA against England, they did well to earn the draw and came desperately close to winning even. They are now in desperate need of a win to give themselves a chance at qualifying from the group stages.
Defensively nobody can fault the USA, neither can you find a blemish in their midfield, but upfront they just don’t have the impotence required at times to put games to bed. Now they face a side in the proverbial ascendency – all Iran must do is avoid defeat and they could very well progress!
I’m still not convinced that Iran have hit their straps in the final third…but then again, neither have the USA.
Verdict: Iran/Draw (15/20)
I think Iran can hold out against this American side. They have shown that they can put in a defensive shift and with the added incentive of potential qualification, I wouldn’t go against them.
Neither side has dominated the final third and so to say this will be cagey is an understatement. The US hasn’t given me reason enough to find confidence in their ability to break teams down, so I’m with Iran on the double chance.
