FT · World: International Friendly · Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Russia 2–0 IranMatch recap & Bawler model verdict · Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Russia
2–0
Russia win
Iran
> 🧠 Model verdict
✓ Model called it

Pre-match, Bawler had Russia at 47%, draw at 26%, Iran at 27%. The match ended 2-0 — confirming the model's lean toward Russia.

> Pre-match probability vs result
Russia win
47%
Actual ✓
Draw
26%
Iran win
27%
> Expected vs actual goals
Model expected (xG)
1.66 – 1.22
Total 2.88
Actual
2 – 0
Total 2 (-0.9 vs xG)

Match underperformed xG by 0.9 goals. Below-expectation scoring — could be wasteful finishing, strong goalkeeping, or low-quality chances the model over-rated.

> 🧾 What the model called · and how it landed
High confidence
Over 1.5 Goals
Pre-match: 78%
✓ Won
Medium confidence
Over 2.5 Goals
Pre-match: 55%
✗ Lost
Outside shot
Draw
Pre-match: 26%
✗ Lost
> What we said pre-match
"Over 1.5 Goals is a 77% forecast here, underpinned by Russia's 0.45 xG advantage and Taremi's 24% of Iran's shot creation threatening to spark a multi-goal affair."

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