World Cup 2022: Time to Get Qatar 2022 Started

England vs Iran

With the greatest of respect to World Cup 2022 hosts Qatar and Ecuador, the tournament will not begin in earnest for many until Monday.

For that is the first time an established footballing nation will take to the pitch and, given the media and fans’ circus which often follows England around at a major tournament, I am not expecting too many dull moments.

This time the semi-finalists from four years ago and finalists at Euro 2020 last summer face Iran.

On paper, it should be one-sided with all the World Cup 2022 highlights belonging to Gareth Southgate’s side.

The reality, however, is that Iran have one of the best coaches in the world which means they will be one of the best prepared units even as tournament minnows.

Talking Points

To begin with, let me say I do not think England are potential competition winners, although they should top their group and have the potential to reach the latter stages.

The heat of Qatar will be an issue as far as I am concerned and has been noted by players upon their arrival in the country this week, although they are embracing it, according to squad man Conor Coady.

Either way, they should have the talent to overcome their first three opponents as they acclimatise.

The focus will very soon be on the football unlike the build-up which has been overshadowed by issues in the host country, including the treatment of migrant workers.

Iran will make life difficult with the reappointment of former Manchester United assistant and one-time Real Madrid boss Carlos Queiroz – a real boon for the West Asian nation.

In fact, so popular is Queiroz, who shaped his unprecedented popularity during his first stint in charge between 2011 and 2019, that when he became available after leaving the Egypt post this springthere was no hesitation in recruiting him – even though he did not guide them through qualifying.

For Quieroz offers nous and defencive stability.

At the last two World Cups, Iran came up against some of the great football powerhouses but only lost 1-0 to Argentina in Brazil (2014) and 1-0 to Spain in Russia (2018), where they also drew 1-1 with European Champions Portugal.

In fact, the performance against Lionel Messi’s Argentina impressed Iranians back home so much, there were celebrations in the streets after the narrow defeat.

It must be said that, to dispense of Dragan Skocic, who won 15 out of his 18 games in charge and got the country to the World Cup in record time, was harsh and that divided senior players.

Those feelings could resurface should Iran get off to a bad start.

Through no fault of Quieroz, there are clearly tensions in the camp judging by a press conference in which Iran’s captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh accused the English media of setting out to destabilise his team by asking questions about the protests raging back home.

Jahanbakhsh also appeared to insinuate that the press was playing such “mental games” as part of a broader English campaign to undermine Iran before the teams meet.

Much more will be said about issues such as this in the days and weeks ahead but, come Monday afternoon in the Khalifa International Stadium, all eyes will be on the football.

If Iran can avoid defeat, it will be one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.

History

This will be the very first meeting between England and Iran, which is perhaps surprising given this is Iran’s sixth participation in a World Cup.

Betting Tip

Last year’s Euro 2020 runners-up are overwhelming favourites with the SBOTOP World Cup 2022 betting odds and can be backed 1X2 @ 1.35 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.26.

Likewise, If Iran are to cause a shock you could earn a nice payday with 1X2 @ 10.00 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.42 among the options. Even a draw will pay out @ 4.30.

Given the potential attacking talent on display, goals are anticipated, including Over 2.25 @ 2.04, over 2.50 @ 2.35, Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.96 and 4-6 @ 4.50.

I don’t think there will be quite that many but, even as organised as Iran should be under Quieroz, it is difficult to see such a smaller footballing nation keep it as tight as Total Goal 0-1 which is available @ 2.60. I expect England to win but fail to take a fairly early lead and frustrations could become evident.

 

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