World Cup Bracket 2018: Group Standings, Odds and Picks for Wednesday
Cristiano Ronaldo is back in 2018 FIFA World Cup action with Portugal on Wednesday when the Real Madrid superstar and his team-mates take on Morocco.
The forward hit a hat-trick in the opening game against Spain and will fancy adding to his tally against a Morocco side that were beaten by Iran in their first match in Group B.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Spain take on surprise leaders Iran in the other Group B match, while Uruguay face Saudi Arabia in Group B.
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Here's a look at the latest standings, odds and picks for Wednesday.
Group A (Team, games played, goal difference, points)
1. Russia, 2, +7, 6
2. Uruguay, 1, +1, 3
3. Egypt, 2, -3, 0
4. Saudi Arabia, 1, -5, 0
Group B
1. Iran, 1, +1, 3
2. Portugal, 1, 0, 1
3. Spain, 1, 0, 1
4. Morocco, 1, -1, 0
Group C
1. France, 1, +1, 3
2. Denmark, 1, +1, 3
3. Australia, 1, -1, 0
4. Peru, 1, -1, 0
Group D
1. Croatia, 1, +2, 3
2. Iceland, 1, 0, 1
3. Argentina, 1, 0, 1
4. Nigeria, 1, -2, 0
Group E
1. Serbia, 1, +1, 3
2. Brazil, 1, 0, 1
3. Switzerland, 1, 0, 1
4. Costa Rica, 1, -1, 0
Group F
1. Mexico, 1, +1, 3
2. Sweden, 0, 0, 0
3. South Korea, 0, 0, 0
4. Germany, 1, -1, 0
Group G
1. Belgium, 1, +3, 3
2. England, 1, +1, 3
3. Tunisia, 1, -1, 0
4. Panama, 1, -3, 0
Group H
1. Japan 1, +1, 3
2. Senegal 1, +1, 3
3. Poland 1, -1, 0
4. Colombia 1, -1, 0
Here are the latest odds, via OddsShark:
Portugal (33/50), Draw (47/20), Morocco (26/5). Pick: Portugal
Uruguay (9/50), Draw (27/5), Saudi Arabia (17/1). Pick: Uruguay
Iran (29/2), Draw (27/5), Spain (19/100). Pick: Spain
Group B has offered a few surprises already, with Iran topping the group by beating Morocco courtesy of a stoppage-time own goal from Aziz Bouhaddouz.
The win was Iran's first at a World Cup finals since 1998, but there seems little chance of the team repeating that result against Spain on Wednesday evening.
La Roja managed to put aside the chaos of seeing manager Julen Lopetegui sacked just two days prior to the tournament by opening with a draw against Portugal.
Spain would have won the game but for Ronaldo's 88th-minute equaliser and showed glimpses of their best against Portugal.
The team seemed to be in good spirits in training:
Goalkeeper David De Gea was at fault for Ronaldo's second as he fumbled his shot into the goal but has been backed by new Spain boss Fernando Hierro, per Squawka News:
The Spanish squad is clearly superior to Iran's, and they will be expected to win comfortably on Wednesday.
Results elsewhere may also encourage Spain to go on the attack, as noted by football journalist Euan McTear:
Iran's cause has also been hindered by injury to defender Rouzbeh Cheshmi, who has been ruled out of the tournament, per BBC Sport.
Uruguay are also big favourites to win when they face a Saudi Arabia side who were thrashed 5-0 on the opening day by Russia.
The team have had an eventful buildup to the match as the plane they were travelling on to Rostov-on-Don caught fire, per the Associated Press (h/t the Guardian). The Saudi Arabian Football Federation confirmed the aircraft had landed and all the players were safe.
Victory for Uruguay will virtually guarantee them a place in the last 16 after they beat Egypt 1-0 thanks to a late winner from Jose Gimenez.
Forwards Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez failed to find the target against the Pharoahs, but they will be relishing taking on Saudi Arabia.
Omnisport digital journalist Iain Strachan shared his view of the pair in training ahead of the game:
If Cavani and Suarez can find their best form, Uruguay should win easily as Saudi Arabia look to be the weakest team in the tournament.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
