Before this fixture, Iran and Portugal have come face to face only once.

The match went in favour of Portugal, as they won 2-0.

As of FIFA World Cup 2018, this is a do or die match for Iran. They have to win this fixture to keep their hopes alive. Iran needs a victory against Portugal, to seal progression to the knockout phases for the first time in their history.

On the other hand, Portugal needs to just get a point from this match to secure a berth in the last 16. So either a draw or a win will suffice for Portugal. Portugal has Ronaldo to thank for their 1-0 victory over Morocco.

Iran National Football Team showed plenty of spirit despite losing 1-0 to Spain and set up defensively frustrating La Roja, and could have come away with a famous draw had Saeid Ezatolahi’s goal not been chalked off for being offside thanks to VAR.

Iran is giving a scintillating performance in this world cup. Their defense is very impressive. Thanks to their defense, they managed a clean sheet against Morocco. Had they not made the slight mistake against Spain, they might have been at par with Portugal in points. The offense is no less impressing. With a little more luck, they could have torn apart Spain’s defense.

Now, Portugal will face a real challenge in breaking down Iran who will be relishing trying to halt the 2016 European Champions. More interestingly, Iran is managed by Carlos Queiroz who took Portugal to the 2010 World Cup he will be well placed to know how to outplay Portugal in Saransk.

Portugal vs Iran Team Squads

Stadium-Mordovia Arena, Saransk

Situation: Must Win for both site. Iran will be eliminated if they lose. While if Portugal lose its faith will depend upon Spain vs Morocco match result.

IRAN

Coach– QUEIROZ Carlos

Goalkeeper-Ali Beiranvand, Rashid Mazaheri, Amir Abedzadeh

Defender-Ehsan Haji Safi, Roozbeh Cheshmi, Milad Mohammadi, Morteza Pouraliganji, Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh, Pejman Montazeri, Majid Hosseini, Ramin, Rezaeian

Midfielder-Mahdi Torabi, Saeid Ezatolahi, Masoud Shojaei, Omid Ebrahimi, Vahid Amiri

Forward-Karim Ansarifard, Saman Ghoddos, Reza Ghoochannejhad, Mehdi Taremi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Sardar Azmoun, Ashkan Dejagah

PORTUGAL

Coach-Santos Fernando

Goalkeeper– Rui Patricio, Anthony Lopes, Beto

Defender-Bruno Alves, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro, Jose Fonte, Ruben Dias, Ricardo, Mario Rui, Cedric

Midfielder-Manuel Fernandes, Joao Moutinho, Joao Mario, Bernardo Silva, William, Bruno Fernandes, Adrien Silva

Forward-Crisitiano Ronaldo, Andre Silva, Goncalo Guedes, Gellson Martins, Ricardo Quaresma

Who will win the game tonight?