Iran vs Portugal, Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2018: Portugal Look to Ronaldo for Inspiration Ahead of Crucial Iran Clash

Portugal starts things off with the kick-off. They are in their home kit of all red, while Iran are in white. 

Changes for Iran see Alireza Jahanbakhsh come in for Karim Ansarifard

Changes in the Portugal line up see Andre Silva, Adrien Silva, Quaresma come in for Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Guedes

The players are in the tunnel are ready to come out onto the field of play! The two toppers from Group Uruguay and Russia will have their eyes on today's second set of matches as they will get to know who they play in the next round. 

Portugal have met Asian sides on four occasions at the World Cup, winning three so far. Their only defeat came against Korea Republic in 2002, while one of those wins is the classic encounter in 1966 when Eusebio sensationally took them from 3-0 down to 5-3 up with four goals.

Iran showed themselves to be very formidable opponents in their previous matches, especially as a defensive unit. Their resilience was rewarded with a clean sheet against Morocco, while it was one mistake that cost them dear against Spain. On the other hand, they looked menacing at times while going forward against Spain. Had they had a bit more luck, they could have scored more than the solitary goal they managed against Morocco.

A second wave came and did not stop making noise for several hours. Police then blocked roads nearby, but the main avenue across the hotel was still open, which allowed Iran fans to keep their effort in smaller numbers. Iran fan and IT consultant Mehdi Fayez arrived Monday morning after reading messages from supporters saying they needed to trouble Portugal to stand a better chance of winning the match. "I love Ronaldo, I love Portugal, but this is a big game. We have to do all it takes," a still joyful Fayez said, as he held an Iranian flag on the back of his head.

Ronaldo foi à janela pedir aos iranianos para o deixarem dormir em paz 💤

🎥 @RTP1 pic.twitter.com/UtYxZBbJF3

— B24 🇵🇹 (@B24PT) June 24, 2018

So, here's the situation in Group B...

Which pair do you think is going to qualify? #IRNPOR#ESPMAR

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018

Iran, normally at a World Cup don't have too much riding on their final game in the group stages, but that is not the case this time around as they have a chance to make it through to the next round. Even though the odds are against them, Iran will look to pull of a massive surprise, something similar to what Japan did to Colombia, when they go up against the 2016 European champions. 

For Portugal, they will be keen on making progress to the next round on a winning note, and will also be looking for an improved overall performance after the overall showing in the first two games were below par except for Cristiano Ronaldo, whom they must thank for the four points and four goals at the tournament so far. It is important the team has a good overall show today of all days, because a defeat could send them in the same direction as four years ago in Brazil - out of the World Cup. Ronaldo will have players attending to him closely, especially because the former Manchester United assistant coach and former Portugal coach Queiroz knows him from him close quarters. 

The two teams have faced each other at the World Cup once before. That was in the Germany 2006 group stage, with Portugal running out 2-0 winners and a certain youngster by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo getting the second goal.

#IRNPOR // The teams are in! pic.twitter.com/tmsdH1iunk

— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@FIFAWorldCup) June 25, 2018

STAT ATTACK: Iran have had the fewest shots on goal in the World Cup, with two. Costa Rica are immediately above them with three. Top of the table is Belgium with 18, followed by England and Germany on 14.

In 1983-84, the current Iran boss Carlos Queiroz was the assistant manager at Estoril, where the current Portugal coach Fernando Santos was a player. They were relegated that season.

Iran have played Portugal twice before this game, and on both occasions the fancied European side came out winners. Iran have never beaten an European side and would love to change that today. Coach Queiroz remember had said before the draw of the World Cup that he would like it if his side faced Portugal. On the eve of the game, he said “The plan is to be better than Portugal in every aspect. We are going to fight for 90 minutes tomorrow.” “We have a dream and we fight for that dream, we have nothing to lose. They have everything to lose.”

Going into this game Carlos Queiroz's Iran must win against Portugal to have a chance of making it to the next round, while the Cristiano Ronaldo led side need only a point to seal a spot in the next round. But, if Spain lose to Morocco, then Iran can also go through with just a draw. 

Hello and welcome to the live blog for the Group B game between Iran and Portugal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The European Champions will once again be looking to their talismanic leader Cristiano Ronaldo to drive them through this match and take them through to the round of 16. Ronaldo has been in irresistable goal scoring form so far in the tournament and has been the only goal scorer for the Portugal side. Can he do it again today?