Morocco v Iran, 15th June, 4pm(GMT)

[JJ1532]

Like the Group A opener, this is another game that just doesn't grab the attention or draw in audiences. Both of these teams will almost certainly be competing for 3rd and 4th, so any chance they have of sneaking out of the group rests with winning this game.

Morocco at least have a few players you might have heard of. Karim El Ahmadi formerly of Aston Villa, Medhi Benatia, Romain Saiss of Wolves. Again, I'm not going to pretend I know enough this team to say how they could do.

As for Iran, they are becoming regulars at the World Cup. 4th time they have qualified in 6 tournaments. Not bad going. Also did it by going undefeated in their qualifiers. They showed well at the last world cup. Got an admirable draw with Nigeria, got undone by a last minute Messi stunner against Argentina and came up short against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Their team looks solid and they have plenty of goals upfront. Most of their squad play in Europe, so they could spring a few surprises here.

These 2 will probably be playing for the wooden spoon, but a win here for either team sets up an interesting game 2.

All match chat in here.

 

[mistermagic]

This is the first game I'm attending. Sort of looking forward to it in a strange way...

 

[SALTIRE]

Go on Iran!!

 

[Abertawe]

Really intriguing game this. Hard to call.

 

[YorkshireRed20]

If this is a draw you can pretty much count out any chance of either of them qualifying for me. Moroccans better than people think, Portugal and Spain will be too good I think.

 

[Bilo]

Morocco, this year's Costa Rica.

 

[rudebwoyben]

Morocco could have been a goal or two up already...

 

[Chris FGR]

Morocco started well here, good tempo going for it. Nice to see.

 

[Bilo]

how in the world is this still 0-0

 

[Chris FGR]

Good game this, always the way. Probably be a much more exciting one then Portugal v Spain, despite all the hype saying otherwise.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

The second half has fizzled out. I think Morocco are slightly better, but neither have any final third quality. Iran wipe the floor with them at the theatrics though..

 

[Chris FGR]

Iran wipe the floor with them at the theatrics though..

Bloody annoying tbh, it's ruined the flow of the game.

 

[Bilo]

Morocco really shouldn't have drawn this imo. Oh well just have to beat Portugal and draw against Spain to go through.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

what is the point of Iran being there.........5-4-1 in the last minutes with timewasting tactics when only drawing vs the easiest side you'll play.

what is the point at all going to competitions not even attempting to try and qualify.

and going to get worse when the competition is expanded with numerous sides happy to not get through and hope for an odd draw

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Bloody annoying tbh, it's ruined the flow of the game.

It has. The amount of times they roll, there’s more of a risk that they’ll injure themselves doing that than the actual tackle.

 

[BigDaveCUFC]

just as i say that Iran sneak it......oh well.

 

[Bilo]

Morocco, this year's Costa Rica.

I meant Iran swear to god

 

[Hooped Wizard]

Well Morocco are a bit crap

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Super sub..

 

[Reaper]

Diving cheating c*** the player who won the free kick for goal, never a foul.

 

[Chris FGR]

Both North African sides have conceded last minute goals from set pieces. So if it's 0-0 v the Tunisians in the last few minutes, just stick it in the box and we should be fine

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Unlikely that Iran will cause Spain or Portugal any issues but a creditable win at a World Cup for them. Morocco are out already, massive missed opportunity to apply a bit of pressure on the big two.

 

[mistermagic]

Good game this, always the way. Probably be a much more exciting one then Portugal v Spain, despite all the hype saying otherwise.

Bad call.

Both North African sides have conceded last minute goals from set pieces. So if it's 0-0 v the Tunisians in the last few minutes, just stick it in the box and we should be fine

Good call!

1st game attended for me. First half was ok. Second half terrible. Really dire. Iranians painted the time red after the win. Couldn't stick around for too long as we had the night train to Moscow at midnight.