Iran and Portugal will take on each other in a clash that could well decide their World Cup fate.
Both sides go into their final group game hoping that it will not be the end of road for them in Russia this year. They, however, face different tasks in the same game. While a draw would be enough for Portugal to progress, Iran need a win to secure qualification.
The Asian team has given a good account of themselves in the first two games. They have particularly impressed with their defence. As a result, they have conceded just once in two games and have given themselves a good chance of advancing to the next stage. They looked impressive during the narrow 1-0 loss to Spain, creating a number of clear-cut chances. Had they had a bit more luck, they could have scored more than the solitary goal they managed against Morocco.
حلقه اتحاد ملیپوشان در آخرین تمرین پیش از بازی با پرتغال pic.twitter.com/zvuVDj6nNh
— Team Melli IRAN (@TeamMelliIran) June 24, 2018
On the other hand, Portugal have relied on their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo more than ever. The reigning Euro champions would be hoping the Real Madrid star sizzles again as they would be desperate to avoid a repeat of their group-stage exit at Brazil 2014.
Último treino antes do voo para Saransk! #ConquistaOSonho
?? Descobre conteúdos exclusivos da equipa / Find exclusive content here: https://t.co/8aJKQNXIWQ
Last practice before flying to Saransk! #ConquerYourDream pic.twitter.com/PeycW1lKF9
— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) June 24, 2018
Sportzwiki brings you all you need to know ahead of the clash between the two sides.
Venue and time:
Iran and Portugal will lock horns at the Mordovia Arena, Saransk. The action will begin at 11:30 PM IST on Monday.
Players to look out for:
Sardar Azmoun has had an average World Cup so far. The Rubin Kazan forward Azmoun has not scored at the World Cup so far . However, with 23 goals in 35 international appearances, he knows what it takes to score at the international stage.
For Portugal, who else it can be other than Ronaldo. Portugal will be indebted to the their skipper for their four points to date. Having scored a sensational hat-trick to earn his side a share of the spoils against Spain, Ronaldo hit the winner against Morocco to take his country a step closer to qualification. He will be looking to lead his side from the front once again.
Where to watch:
The Indian fans will enjoy extensive coverage of the game. The English coverage will get telecast on SONY TEN 2 SD and HD channels.
The Hindi feed will be aired on SONY TEN 3 SD and HD channels. Bengali and Malayali feed will be available on SONY ESPN SD channel.
Possible line-ups:
Iran:
Ali Beiranvand; Ehsan Haji Safi, Morteza Pouraliganji, Ramin Rezaeian, Majid Hosseini; Saeid Ezatolahi, Vahid Amiri, Omid Ebrahimi, Karim Ansarifard, Mehdi Taremi; Sardar Azmoun
Portugal:
Rui Patricio; Pepe, Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro; Cedric Soares, William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Joao Mario; Goncalo Guedes, Cristiano Ronaldo
Follow live score on Sportzwiki.