Diego Costa helps Spain win first match

As expected, Iran “parked the bus” in front of goalkeeper Beiranvand’s goal right from the first minute. Coach Carlos Queiroz instructed his players not to give the opponent a chance to freely hold the ball around Iran’s penalty area. That made the 2010 World Cup champion helpless in finding dangerous opportunities.

Notable situations in the match. Photo:Sportsmail

Spain had 81% possession in the first half, but only managed one shot on target. Their only chances came from long-range shots, with David Silva being the most active in the shootout, despite the Iranians always trying to clear the danger.

The climax was only pushed up in the second half, when Spain had three consecutive shots in the 49th minute. But goalkeeper Beiranvand dived to save all of them. The situation signaled a difficult second half for Iran.

Five minutes later, the deadlock was broken by a somewhat fortunate goal from Diego Costa. The 29-year-old striker turned around in the penalty area, allowing the ball to slip out of his control. In an attempt to clear the danger, defender Ramin Rezaeian hit Costa’s leg, sending the ball flying into the net. The Iranian goalkeeper was taken aback by the situation and did not have time to react.

Costa's "passive" goal.

Costa scored three goals from three shots on target at the 2018 World Cup. Photo:Reuters

It seemed like the loss would cause Iran to collapse, but Queiroz's team suddenly rose up. In the 60th minute, Mehdi Taremi headed a warning shot past goalkeeper David de Gea.

Just two minutes later, Iran had the ball in the net, when Saeid Ezatolahi kicked the ball into the box. After the ball went through De Gea's legs, the Iranian players ran out to celebrate the goal. They did not notice that referee Andres Cunha had blown for offside. VAR technology showed that the decision was correct.

Iranian players argue with the referee. Photo:Reuters

The missed celebration did not deter Iran. The red-shirted players continued to move and compete, showing no signs of fatigue. Spain had a great chance to double the gap, although Sergio Ramos missed in the 70th minute.

"La Roja" almost paid the price for wasting their chance. In the 82nd minute, midfielder Amiri unexpectedly "threaded the needle" with Pique and crossed the ball inside. Taking advantage of his body, Mehdi jumped up to press Jordi Alba, but his header went just over the bar. The situation made coach Fernando Hierro's team scream. In the remaining minutes, Iran still showed their spirit of not giving up.

Iranian fans gnawed at the sadness after the match, but were proud of their team. Photo:Reuters

Spain secured a hard-fought victory to catch up with Portugal on four points. In the final round (June 25), they only need a draw with Morocco to advance.

Xuan Binh