Group B looks set to be one of the most exciting at this summer’s World Cup, with current European champions Portugal and 2010 World Cup winners Spain as the favourites to advance into the knockout stages.
Spain’s European crown was taken by Portugal in 2016 against all odds and they are hoping for a similar run of form in Russia next month.
La Roja have a new crop of players coming through but will need to be wary of Morocco, who have a squad filled with talent, skill and pace.
Iran have not lost a competitive game since the 2014 World Cup, so don’t rule out an upset in this very intriguing group.
Here are the players to keep an eye on in each side.
Iran – Sardar Azmoun
The 23-year-old forward is the player who creates space in the opposition box. Azmoun plays his club football for Rubin Kazan where his form hasn’t been the best, however, he netted 11 times to help Iran qualify for this tournament.
Iran’s play sometimes seems dull and boring but when Azmoun gets on the ball, he brings quality and entertainment to the pitch. The Iranians will look to him to unlock some of the world’s best defences.
Azmoun is the most dangerous player in Iran’s side.
Morocco – Hakim Ziyech
The Ajax midfielder is the heartbeat of this Morocco side. The 25-year-old is efficient with the ball and hard-working without it, while also having an eye for a long-range strike.
Ziyech has been thriving under the guidance of Morocco boss Herve Renard and picked up 15 assists in the Eredivisie this year.
With a playing style similar to James Rodriguez, this could be the time for Ziyech to burst onto the international scene just as the Colombian did in 2014.
Ziyech has burst onto the scene for Ajax this season.
Portugal – Cristiano Ronaldo
You can’t take your eye off Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer for even a split second.
Ronaldo captained his country to glory in at Euro 2016, although he was forced to miss majority of the final after picking up an injury.
This could be the 33-year-old’s last chance to win the World Cup, so he’ll be determined to make the most of it. He’ll be hoping to transfer his prolific goal scoring form this campaign for Real Madrid to Portugal next month.
Also keep an eye on Bernardo Silva, who had an excellent first season with Manchester City.
Ronaldo: box office.
Spain – Marco Asensio
The 22-year-old has come a long way since dominating the under-21 level of international football. He now finds himself as a regular starter for Real Madrid while also playing a key role for the Spanish senior side.
His six goals and six assists in La Liga this year don’t do his performances justice, with his work rate off the ball being one of his most valuable assets.
Although Asensio may not necessarily start for Spain in Russia, he is definitely a player to keep an eye on because he can change the complexion of a game in an instant, as he proved against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Asensio is Spain’s brightest young talent.
