Iran is drawn in the toughest group with Portugal, Spain and Morocco in Group B of 2018 World Cup finals to be held in Russia from June 14 to July 15.
The World Cup draw took place on Friday at the Kremlin palace in Moscow. Soccer legends including Diego Maradona, Cafu and Fabio Cannavaro were the draw assistants and it was Brazil's Cafu who pulled out Iran's name to put it in Group B in which Portugal and Spain had already occupied two places.
Given the history and influence of football in Spain and Portugal, one veteran football player rightly pointed out that “Iran has been thrust in the death group.”
In its first match, Team Melli will play Morocco in Saint Petersburg, June 15. According to the latest update of FIFA World Ranking, released on November 23, the North African team is ranked 40th while Iran sits at 32nd spot.
Thus, gaining three points from the Moroccans should not be far-fetched and in case of a probable victory, Iranians' spirit will get a boost as the squad will have to face Spain (world No. 6) on June 20 in Kazan. Iran's final match will be against Portugal (third in the world) in Saransk on June 25.
In 2006 World Cup in Germany, Team Melli was in the same group with Portugal and lost the game to its European opponent 2-0.
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