Iran 0-1 Spain: Diego Costa strike breaks Iran resistance

Diego Costa's second-half strike proved enough for Spain to squeeze past Iran in Kazan and move into a commanding position in their bid to qualify from Group B.

Costa broke Iran’s sturdy resistance with a slightly 
fortuitous 54th-minute goal, and the Spaniards were lucky to hold onto their lead with Saeid Ezatolahi’s effort ruled out for offside after a video assistant referee check six minutes later.

Their 1-0 win leaves Fernando Hierro’s men joint top of their World Cup group with Portugal on four points, but Iran still have plenty to play for just a point behind heading into their final match.

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The favourites dominated the first period but were continually frustrated in their quest to break down a resolute Iran side steeled by their dramatic opening win over Morocco.

Diego Costa, right, celebrates with Spain team-mate Isco after scoring his side's second-half winner against Iran. Picture: APDiego Costa, right, celebrates with Spain team-mate Isco after scoring his side's second-half winner against Iran. Picture: AP
Diego Costa, right, celebrates with Spain team-mate Isco after scoring his side's second-half winner against Iran. Picture: AP

David Silva fired a 25th-minute free-kick straight at Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand, and the busy Ezatolahi dispossessed Andres Iniesta as he shaped to shoot on the half-hour.

Defending deeply, it seemed evident the Iranians were 
playing for set-pieces and Spanish frustration spilled over after Beiranvand’s over-the-top reaction to a clash with Costa.

The first half ended with 
Silva twice denied by a wall of Iranian defenders and half-time merely paused the inevitable as Spain set out in the second half with renewed intent.

Beiranvand hooked a Gerard Pique effort off his line then pulled off a fortunate double save to deny first Sergio Busquets then Lucas Vazquez. Iran almost grabbed the lead out of nowhere in the 53rd minute when Karim Ansarifard lashed a low shot from the left flank which squeezed into the side-netting.

And Spain made them pay within a minute when Costa turned on an Iniesta through-ball in the box and steered home, after the ball had ricocheted off Ramin Rezaeian and back onto the striker.

Far from signalling a renewed spell of Spanish dominance, the goal revitalised Iran and they thought they had equalised on the hour when Ezatolahi prodded home only for the referee to rule the strike out after a VAR check for offside.

Iran belatedly continued to press, and they almost grabbed an equaliser again nine minutes from time when Mehdi Taremi headed just over after Vahid Amiri beat Pique and crossed from the left.

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Spain head coach Hierro was a relieved man come the full-time whistle.

“What I can say is that we have three more points,” he said. “We knew it was going to be very difficult and, sure enough, it was a very complex game. There were times in both halves when things were tough. During the break, we knew we had a plan and we carried it out – my players did what they had to do.

“Iran are a strong team and it’s very tough to score against them. We knew how hard it would be. But once again my players have given everything.”

Iran coach Carlos Quieroz said: “There’s no doubt Spain play wonderful, stylish football but we deserved more for the way we played.

“Everything is still open. 
We are still alive and still dreaming.”

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