MOST people agreed with me on my Group A assessment and I don't expect too many dissenters on Group B.
Spain and Portugal have been paired with Morocco and Iran and it will be a massive shock if the two Europeans don't make it through.
Both should beat Morocco and Iran and who finishes first will be decided when the two favourites meet in the opening game on June 15. A draw could suit both in this one, especially Spain who are likely to net more goal against the others.
Portugal have to be given respect as European champions and will again rely on dogged defence and Cristiano Ronaldo to nick a goal when they need it.
The Spanish are star-studded with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Anders Iniesta, David Silva, Alvaro Morata and Isco. Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos will form a powerful centre-back pairing and many will fancy them to go all the way.
Morocco are in their first finals since France 1998 and arrive confident having not conceded a goal in qualifying. Their star man is Juventus’s Mehdi Benatia in defence and up front they'll look to Southampton’s Sofiane Boufal to do some damage.
Iran are bossed by Portuguese Carlos Queiroz and are likely to be the whipping although they'll defend deep and make themselves hard to beat. They are 19-20 with 188BET to finish bottom.
Spain are just 1-2 with bet365 to win Group while Portugal are 2-1 with firms such as Ladbrokes and William Hill. A Spain/Portugal straight forecast pays 11-10 at McBookie.
Recommended Bets
- Spain/Portugal straight forecast (11-10, McBookie)
- Ronaldo top scorer Portugal (8-15, Ladbrokes)
- Iran to finish bottom (19-20, 188BET)
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Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
Spain/Portugal, Argentina/Croatia & Belgium/England dual forecasts. 5/2+ looks a gimme
throw in Uruguay/Egypt and Colombia/Poland and £20 gets you over a grand
France/Denmark I should add