Russia 2018 Preview - Group B

Right then, chaps - on to Group B. This group is obviously dominated by the Iberian rivalry between Spain and Portugal, with Morocco and Iran making up the numbers.

Spain - After a humiliating group stage exit at Brasil 2014 and being knocked out by Italy at Euro 2016, Spanish optimism is up again, largely due to topping a competitive qualifying group that included Italy (who won't be at Russia 2018 as a consequence). The 3-0 win over the Azurri perhaps provides a blueprint for handling the big sides in the knock-out stages this summer. Like a lot of the traditional powers at Russia 2018, Spain have an extremely experienced (or long in tooth) side, including veterans from the 2010 victory (Ramos, Pique, Busquets and Iniesta). Diego Costa, everyone's favorite cartoon is back in the fold and is likely to spearhead the attack solo, edging out Chelsea's Alvaro Morata. Spain will likely grind out a boring draw against their neighbors in the opener and then coast through the other matches. Topping the group would give them a marquee Round of 16 match-up with hosts Russia.

Portugal - As they proved at Euro 2016, the reigning European Champions should not be easily dismissed. However, the old adage of "as Ronaldo goes, so goes Portugal" still applies this summer. That's not to say that Fernando Santos doesn't have some capable lieutenants to call on, including Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Monaco schemer Joao Moutinho. However, the reality that crusty defender Bruno Alves is the second leading scoring in the squad with 12 goals behind Ronaldo (with 83) tells you all you need to know. If he stays fit, they'll see off Iran and Morocco with ease after the opening weekend snoozefest. However, that will likely bring up a tricky Round of 16 fixture with Uruguay.

Morocco - After an impressive qualifying campaign, Morocco fans were hopeful of reaching the second round for only the second time in their history (the other time was in 1986). However, a tricky draw putting them into a group with a recent World Cup winner and the current European Champions has dampened that enthusiasm. Manager Herve Renard will need to use every bit of wiliness he has earned over his long career in management. Morocco are a fairly defensive outfit, organized around skipper and Juve central defender Medhi Benatia, and will likely park the bus against the big sides. If they can beat Iran and grind out a draw or two against Spain or Portugal, they might score an upset. However, the smart money is on a group stage exit.

Iran - Iran will just be happy to be involved in the second consecutive World Cup for the first time in its history. It's major asset in the group stage will be veteran Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz, who will certainly know a thing or two about frustrating Spain and Portugal. Iran will likely play on the break, particularly against the big boys, trying to strike through in-form strikers Alireza Jahanbakhsh (the top scorer in Holland this year) and Karim Ansarifard. It would be fun to see them achieve an upset, but it's highly unlikely. The opener against Morocco will set the tone for them.

Prediction - Spain to top the group, with a draw against Portugal and two wins against the others; Portugal to just get out of the group with some Ronaldo inspired heroics in the final match; Morocco just edged out and Iran on the bottom.

I'd love to hear what you make of this group - let's be having ya!