World Cup: Team B Group Credentials

It is time to shine the light on Group B’s World Cup teams. For all you need to know about these particular contenders, read on…
PORTUGAL
Coach Fernando Santos
The 63-year-old took charge of Portugal, his country of birth, in 2014. He then led them to UEFA Euro 2016 glory, beating hosts France 1-0 in the final. The former Greece manager will be hoping to better Portugal’s last performance at the World Cup, a disappointing group stage exit in Brazil 2014.
Key Player João Moutinho
Not only did the midfielder win Ligue 1 with Monaco in 2017, but he has also won a dozen trophies with Sporting and Porto, as well as racking up over 100 international caps.
Random Fact
Portugal also faced neighbours and fellow group opponents Spain in the last 16 of the World Cup in 2010 – with Spain prevailing 1-0 thanks to a David Villa goal.
FIFA Ranking: 4
SPAIN
Coach Julen Lopetegui
Employed in 2016, former Porto boss Lopetegui, who has also managed many of Spain’s youth teams, steered his country to Russia 2018 comfortably. After Spain’s disastrous World Cup in Brazil four years ago, he will be under pressure to make sure there is no repeat.
Key Player Isco
With 10 goals in 27 internationals, including a hat-trick against 2014 World Cup runners-up Argentina, the Real Madrid midfielder will likely play a key part in Spain’s campaign.
Random Fact
Spain’s group stage exit in Brazil 2014 was the fifth time in World Cup history that the defending champions crashed out at the first round, after Italy in 1950 and 2010, Brazil in 1966, and France in 2002.
FIFA Ranking: 8
MOROCCO
Coach Hervé Renard
Frenchman Renard became the first ever manager to win the Africa Cup of Nations with two countries, after 2012 and 2015 victories with Zambia and the Ivory Coast respectively. He has also guided Morocco to their first World Cup since 1998.
Key Player Medhi Benatia
The Morocco captain has won league titles in Germany and Italy, as well as 54 international caps. He also scored in qualifying for the Atlas Lions.
Random Fact
Morocco also faced group rivals Portugal in the 1986 World Cup, beating the Iberian nation 3-1 to top their group and knock their opponents out.
FIFA Ranking: 42
IRAN
Coach Carlos Queiroz
Queiroz, from Portugal, has also coached Real Madrid and South Africa, as well as assisting at Manchester United. He has been in charge of Iran since 2011, and has helped them qualify to two consecutive World Cups.
Key Player Reza Ghoochannejhad
The former Charlton striker has also played in Belgium and the Netherlands. He scored Iran’s only goal in the World Cup in Brazil 2014.
Random Fact
Iran’s retired forward Ali Daei is the world’s all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international matches, hitting the back of the net 109 times for his country.
FIFA Ranking: 36
> Bradley Montgomery