Lucky Spain top Group B after win against Iran

Hierro, who took over after Julen Lopetegui was sacked last week, heaped praise on striker Diego Costa, who notched a scrappy 54th minute goal that was his third of the tournament.

If that wasn’t enough, fortune aimed an even bigger grin in Spain’s direction just after the hour – a VAR review chalking off an Iran equaliser due to Saeid Ezatolahi straying offside just prior to blasting past David de Gea.

After creating history against Morocco, Iran is all set to clash against Spain in FIFA World Cup 2018 match. But Spain struggled when put under any serious pressure; they will still expect to face sterner, more clinical opposition as these weeks go on, and the challenge is both single and urgent.

But with three points, Iran has still a chance to qualify for the knockout stage.

The former Chelsea man also admitted that he had a helping hand from Lady Luck to score what would be the game’s crucial goal. However, highlights showed that Costa didn’t step on his opponent’s feet and probably all that was play-acting in order to waste time. Made a terrific double save at the start of the second period. He then palmed the rebound away before Lucas Vazquez could get to the ball.

The Asian side nearly scored the most unlikely of openers when Karim Ansarifard’s instinctive effort from a corner flashed into David De Gea’s side netting. The decision was a dagger to Iran’s hopes of pulling off the upset.

Eight minutes into the second half, Spain broke the deadlock as a clearance by Iranian defender Ramin Rezaeian ricocheted off Costa and sailed into the back of the net, 0-1.

FW Lucas Vazquez 5, – Instead of stretching Iran wide, Lucas instead found himself too often sucked into the centre where he kept losing the ball. Oh no! It’s disallowed! “That’s the beauty of the World Cup”.

World Class Analysis from Andy Gray. It’s working at half-time 0-0. Sardar Azmoun starts up top for Iran.

Our recommended way to watch the Spain vs Iran game online live streaming without cable is via Hulu Live TV with complete World Cup coverage.

– Iran are winless against European opposition at the World Cup, having lost five of their six previous fixtures (D1). But if they are to really threaten Spain, he will need to be at his very best. “We were happier after the match against Portugal, but we only had one point”. Collective sighs ran through the La roja Camp and fans in stands as the goal was nullified and they were confirmed to be still leading the game.

Spain coach Fernando Hierro welcomed Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal back into the starting line-up following his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered in the Champions League final win over Liverpool.

Iran was unsafe from set pieces and its restless defensive display was impressive.