Iran vs. USA Betting Tips: Feisty game expected with qualification at stake

Group B comes to a close on Tuesday and as things stand every outcome is possible, despite how unlikely it may seem (sorry, Wales fans). England are hot favourites to advance as group winners, but the second spot is up for grabs in this match between Iran and the USA.

This match of course sees two nations at loggerheads for years politically clash with a spot in the last sixteen on the line, and with the current situation in Iran there will be no love lost between the sides.

We've previewed the game and have two betting recommendations to consider in the final Group B game...

The United States put in a manful performance against England. with their much more fancied opponents left frustrated and the Stateside Soccer Squad even having the better of the chances as the game wore on. Iran, however, put in a performance for the ages when beating Wales with two injury time goals.

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Carlos Queiroz's men bounced back in style from their opening day capitulation against England and were stoic in defence while looking threatening in attack. Wales escaping with a point would've been cruel on the Iranians, who had the better of the play until Wayne Hennessy's 82nd minute red card and thereafter dominated and peppered ten-man Wales.

The two sides look evenly matched across the pitch and with so much at stake we could be in for a game with plenty of fireworks.

At 10/11 this looks a standout punt with bet365 and we are recommending this one strongly. Back Tyler Adams to make over 2.5 tackles for the USA. The Leeds United midfield terrier has become a firm fans favourite at Elland Road for his all action style and sits in second on the overall tackles per game list in the Premier League this campaign. Only João Palhinha of Fulham has averaged more (4.3) than Adams' 4 per game, and he has racked up some games with huge tackle numbers along the way.

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In their 1-1 draw to open the tournament against Wales, Adams was absolutely everywhere in midfield for the States and registered a mammoth SIX tackles in the game, which was priced astronomically with some firms. He only managed a single tackle against England but this game should look much more like USA vs Wales with the two teams being evenly matched and the Americans determined to go on the front foot and aim for goals.

America are expected to win the possession battle against Iran but the Iranians will be dangerous on the break and Adams' tackling skills could be crucial in stopping those counter attacks. Back him to clear the over 2.5 line with bet365, as they are best priced at 10/11 compared to the much shorter 3/5 on offer at BetVictor.

The USA defence has looked sturdy so far this campaign, with no goals conceded from open play and just a Gareth Bale penalty penetrating their backline. However, if Iran can frustrate the favourites into the latter stages of the game there could be ample opportunities to nick a winner. For the Iranians to succeed, star player Mehdi Taremi will need to perform and although his brace against England faded into the background in the aftermath of a 6-2 battering, on second looks both goals took some scoring!

Taremi is an established European league level striker at Porto and knows where to be to sniff out chances. He is excellent off both feet and will be Iran's main goal threat, despite not scoring either of his side's two goals in the latest victory over Wales.

At 7/2 best price with William Hill, there is some juice in Taremi's anytime price to breach the American defence. He should be on set pieces for Iran and with both sides knowing a win will secure a famous last sixteen spot, expect the usually pragmatic Queiroz to let his side off the leash a bit and it is Taremi who can profit.