FT · World: International Friendly · Thursday, 04 June 2026

Iran 20 MaliMatch recap & Bawler model verdict · Thursday, 04 June 2026

Iran
20
Iran win
Mali
> Model verdict
✓ Model called it

Pre-match, Bawler had Iran at 48%, draw at 30%, Mali at 22%. The match ended 2-0 — confirming the model's lean toward Iran.

> Pre-match probability vs result
Iran win
48%
Actual ✓
Draw
30%
Mali win
22%
> Expected vs actual goals
Model expected (xG)
1.641.06
Total 2.69
Actual
20
Total 2 (-0.7 vs xG)

Match underperformed xG by 0.7 goals. Below-expectation scoring — could be wasteful finishing, strong goalkeeping, or low-quality chances the model over-rated.

> Bawler's picks · how they landed
Banker
Over 2.5 Goals
Pre-match: 72%
✗ Lost
Value
X2
Pre-match: 52%
✗ Lost
Dark Horse
Away Win
Pre-match: 25%
✗ Lost
> What we said pre-match
"Over 2.5 Goals lands at 72% because Iran's 0.58 xG edge and 1.64 expected goals create the offensive volume needed to break through Mali's 1.06 xG foundation."

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