FOOTBALL
World Cup Predictions: England vs Iran
England’s mission to win their first international trophy since winning the World Cup in 1966 begins when they face Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Iran will feel they have been dealt a bad hand as they will have to compete against three teams that are within the top 20 in the FIFA rankings for a spot in the knockout stages.
But Team Meli will rely on their defensive resilience to grind out a positive result against the Euro 2020 finalists.
The current crop of England players is full of young, talented, and confident footballers, and their performances in international competitions have been encouraging thus far.
The Three Lions made it to the World Cup semifinals for the first time in 28 years in Russia before setting up a Euro 2020 final against Italy.
England are still trophyless in the post-1966 era, but Southgate’s troops have come the closest to ending that drought.
Many would point towards their dismal UEFA Nations League campaign and a winless run of six games heading into the tournament. But with the World Cup only weeks away, England players could be forgiven for their lapse of concentration.
Iran’s recent form
Iran will make their third successive World Cup appearance in Qatar 2022.
However, their participation became doubtful when Ukraine officially asked FIFA to expel them from the World Cup because of Iran’s pro-Russia stance in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Even a section of Iran’s own fans demanded to banish Iran from the competition because of Iran’s treatment of female fans.
Carlos Queiroz’s men wrapped up their World Cup preparations with a 2-0 loss over Tunisia.
The loss marked Iran’s third defeat in their last 22 matches, but Iran’s lack of threat in front of the opposition goal will be a cause of concern for Quieroz.
Not finding the net against fellow World Cup team Tunisia will not do much favour to boost the morale of Iran’s forwards.
Historically, Iran have scored 0.6 goals per match in the World Cup, which is the worst return for any World Cup teams which have played double digit number of matches in the tournament.
Team News
Man City fullback Kyle Walker flew with the team to Qatar, but he will not be available to play against Iran as he recovers from injury.
So, Newcastle star Kieran Trippier is expected to get the nod at right-back.
James Maddison missed a few training sessions, which indicates he might not be involved as well.
In their Euro campaign, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips were England’s go-to midfield combo. Phillips is available for selection, but Southgate might hand Jude Bellingham his first World Cup start since the Man City man did not play much football after returning from a lengthy injury layoff.
Iran left their experienced midfielder Omid Ebrahimi at home as he sustained an unfortunate groin injury. But, Quieroz was unwilling to give up on Bayer Leverkusen striker Sardar Azmoun who has a calf muscle injury.
The England match will come too soon for Azmous, so Porto’s Mehdi Taremi will take on the scoring responsibilities.
Former Brighton forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh will also feature in the Iran attack.
Our Prediction
Iran have never managed to win against a European opposition in the World Cup and it seems unlikely that will change on Monday.
England will bring too much firepower for Iran too hold off. Our prediction is a 3-1 win for England.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
Sunil Grover Shares Adorable Picture with His Four Dogs
Hombale Films Announces Next Chapters of K.G.F. and Salaar Franchises
Karan Aujla’s ‘It Was All A Dream’ Tour Lights Up Mumbai
Robin Uthappa Arrest Warrant Issued Over Legal Dispute
Tragic Road Accidents in Mumbai Spark Concerns Over Safety
A Cricketing Extravaganza in the Himalayas
Bridging Local Talent with Global Opportunities NPL 2024
Shikhar Dhawan’s Dominant Innings in the Nepal League
Pokhara Avengers Achieve Historic 10-Wicket Victory Over Lumbini Lions
Why are Australian cricketers wearing black armbands on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test against India?
-
FILMY1 year agoWATCH: Tripti Dimri shocks audiences with daring nude sequence in Ranbir Kapoor starrer ‘Animal’
-
BIG NEWS2 years agoRiva Arora, aged 12, romances with Karan Kundrra in viral video
-
BIG NEWS2 years agoMeet the sexiest female golfer ever!
-
LATEST2 years agoThe sexiest tennis star on the planet. Do you agree?
-
CRICKET1 year ago‘Bloody dump captain’ – Former Pakistan cricketer lashes out at Babar Azam and staff for mismanagement of fast bowlers in Asia Cup 2023
-
FILMY1 year agoWATCH: After Tripti Dimri, Rashmika Mandanna’s intimate scene with Ranbir Kapoor in ‘Animal’ goes viral on internet
-
CRICKET1 year agoTop 10 hairstyle of MS Dhoni from 2007 to 2023
-
FILMY1 year agoDid you know Simi Garewal dated India’s iconic industrialist Ratan Tata? Know more about this