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

Portugal need just a single point to clinch a berth in the knockout stage at the 2018 FIFA World Cup as they close out their group-stage schedule with Monday's match against Iran at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk, Russia.

Portugal improved their tournament win-draw-loss record to 1-1-0 with a 1-0 victory over Morocco as -155 favorites on Wednesday to remain level with Spain atop the Group B table.

Iran trail both Portugal and Spain by a single point, but they will likely need all three points in Monday's contest to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in five World Cup appearances.

World Cup betting line: Portugal opened as a -315 favorite (wager $315 to win $100); the total is at two goals, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

World Cup betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 1.8-0.8, Portugal (2018 World Cup picks on every game)

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Iran vs. Portugal World Cup matchup analysis

After avoiding defeat in their first two group-stage contests, Portugal are poised to advance to the knockout stage for a third straight time.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been the difference-maker, emerging as a favourite to claim the Golden Boot after scoring all four goals in the squad's first two outings.

However, Portugal have otherwise come out flat. Aside from Ronaldo's heroics, they were dominated in a 3-3 draw as +340 underdogs with Spain, who controlled play for long stretches and outpossessed the Selecao by a 66-34 margin.

That trend continued against Morocco, who outshot the Portuguese by a wide 13-6 margin. However, Portugal maintain a solid 9-4-1 record in their past 14 games across all competitions.

Meanwhile, it is desperation time for Iran, who must avoid defeat to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Team Melli have struggled to control the ball during their first two outings, including a 1-0 loss to Spain in a match that was not as close as the score indicated.

The back line will be key for Iran, who have kept clean sheets on 10 occasions during their current 10-3-3 run. However, they lost 2-0 in their lone previous meeting with Portugal, at the 2006 World Cup.

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.