Iran vs. Spain Betting Odds Preview, World Cup 2018 Prediction, Analysis

Iran can advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time with a win when it takes on Spain on Wednesday in a Group B matchup at Kazan Arena. Team Melli is coming off its first victory in World Cup competition since 1998, a 1-0 win over Morocco, and currently sits atop the Group B table with three points.

Spain was forced to settle for a 3-3 draw in an entertaining clash with Portugal on Friday. The Spaniards have not suffered a defeat in their past 21 matches, but have also posted just two wins in six outings across all competitions.

World Cup betting line: Spain opened as a -590 favorite (wager $590 to win $100); the total is at 2.5 goals, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

World Cup betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 1.7-1.2, Spain (2018 World Cup picks on every game)

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Iran vs. Spain World Cup matchup analysis

Iran's opening match of Russia 2018 looked destined for a draw until an own goal by Morocco in the 90th minute handed the Iranians just their second victory in five all-time appearances at the World Cup. While Team Melli escaped with the win, the squad was largely dominated by Morocco, who out-possessed Iran by a one-sided 68-32 margin.

The Iranians now face no pressure entering their date with Spain, which opened the 2018 FIFA World Cup perched among the tournament favorites with +650 odds. In addition, Team Melli has recorded clean-sheet victories in five of its past eight matches and is undefeated in its past six meetings with national sides participating in this year's tournament.

While Spain enjoys a lengthy unbeaten streak, it has struggled in recent World Cup matches, posting just one win in four outings since raising the hardware at South Africa 2010.

La Furia Roja has also struggled to finish opponents in recent outings, going 2-4-0 in its past six overall. But despite failing to earn the win against Portugal, Spain dominated on the pitch, outshooting Portugal by a 6-3 margin while controlling possession by a 66-34 margin.

All 2018 World Cup odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.