Iran vs Spain: La Roja show their mettle, Iran impress with defensive display, VAR strikes again

This World Cup has already seen it’s fair share of shocks, despite the tournament being barely a week old. First there was Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland before Mexico stunned champions Germany with a 1-0 win on Sunday. For 54 minutes of this match, Spain looked set to become the latest side to have their ego pricked in humbling fashion as they toiled in vain against a defiant Iran side.

But unlike their heavyweight counterparts, Spain found their breakthrough. After Portugal’s 1-0 win over Morocco, it was vital the Spaniards followed suit and although the number of chances they missed will be of some concern, their perseverance definitely stands as a positive. It’s in nitty-gritty games like this where World Cup-winning teams grit their teeth and get the job done – and Spain will be happy to have done that this evening.

It may have not made for particularly entertaining football but Iran’s defensive display was mightily impressive – despite eventually conceding. From the off it was clear that Carlos Queiroz’s men were out to frustrate their opponents in the hope of snatching a draw.

Indeed, at times all 10 of Iran’s outfield players were more than happy to drop off into their own half when Spain were in possession in an attempt to condense play and narrow the channels of play. Compact, well-drilled and moving in unison, Iran’s tactics had the desired effect as Spain struggled to cut open Queiroz’s side. Their pressing game was particularly effective, affording Spain precious little time on the ball, particularly when entering Iran’s final third.

Of course, Iran were eventually undone in the 54th minute but they should hold their heads high after this evening's display.

open image in gallery

Everyone loves an underdog – or, at least, that’s how it normally works. For Iran, their questionable antics may have turned of a large proportion of fans who would have otherwise thrown their support behind the minnows. Roy Keane, speaking at the break for the ITV, was certainly not impressed as he vented his frustration at the Iranians for their time-wasting and histrionics.

Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand best summed up this approach. First, on 38 minutes, the ‘keeper made a scene after Costa appeared to step on his foot (whether he did so intentionally remains up for debate) before later throwing himself along the deck after a slight coming together with Vázquez following an impressive save. Clearly tactics such as these were all part of the plan to get under Spain’s skin but, for the most part, Fernando Hierro’s men kept their heads.

As mentioned, Spain missed more than their fair share of chances. Andres Iniesta, Diego Costa, Sergio Ramos and Isco were all guilty of failing to hit the target in prime goal-scoring opportunities throughout the match. It was perhaps fitting that Costa’s goal came in such farcical circumstances, then, with the ball ricocheting off his leg after a failed defensive clearance before flying into the back of the net. That Spain struggled to bring their clinical edge to tonight’s game will naturally be of concern. La Roja dominated from start to finish and created chance after chance but, when push came to shove, that final product was missing. They got the job done, yes, but they know they’ll need to step up.

open image in gallery

For two minutes of this match, it was absolute pandemonium as Iran celebrated what they thought to be an equaliser. Alas, it wasn’t to be. Having looked to have scored through Saeid Ezatolahi, VAR eventually ruled for offside to break Iran's hearts. To make matters worse, this wasn’t the only moment Iran came close to equalising. Catching their opponents repeatedly on the break, Queiroz’s men came within inches to snatching a point from this game – as best seen with Taremi’s late header which fizzed over the crossbar in the 82nd minute. As the game wound down, Iran upped the tempo in search of a miracle. It never came, but they certainly acquitted themselves well in the process.