Portugal's 3-3 draw can not be considered a disappointment for Spain. Coach Fernando Hierro kept the door wide, even with the lead. But to get closer to that goal, they need to get over Iran.
Asian players qualify with unbeaten performances, conceded only two goals in 10 games. They won their first Asian ticket to the 2018 World Cup, and also won the first victory in the finals. Although only through the Morocco thanks to the last-minute goal, Carlos Queiroz's army is still a difficult obstacle.
Coach Hierro certainly want to strengthen the defense, against opponents like Iran. But Spain also needs to be cautious before the "recovery code" from the opponent. Middle East team showed the ability to counterattack the middle of the first match.
The two teams have never met in the past, but Queiroz understands Spanish football with experience leading Real Madrid.
- Spain (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Iniesta; Silva, Isco, Vazquez; Costa.
- Iran (4-2-3-1): Beiranvand; Ramin, Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Hajisafi; Ebrahimi, Ezatolahi; Ansarifard, Taremi, Amiri; Azmoun.
Spain uses white outfits. Iranian costume red.
As predicted, Iran has the most troops in the field to play fast defensive counter-attack. They are very fast when the opponent has the ball.
The Asian team is determined to play strong, ready to make mistakes from afar.
David Silva hooks the ball into the area, but Costa can not hit the head. The ball goes through the back of the striker.
Iran set up three-tier defense, causing the Spanish players to play a stalemate.
Busquets midfielder was fouled on the pitch. In less than 10 minutes, Busquets has been twice as dangerous as Spain.
Spain got the free kick outside of the box but David Silva's shot missed the goalkeeper Beiranvand.
After a foul in the penalty area of Iran, David Silva flew the ball. Unfortunately the ball goes too high.
There are controversy on the pitch. Costa has spoken out with the Iranian goalkeeper who said he is now. The arbitrator has to deal with the case in a definitive manner.
Referees pissed off the first half of the season. Spain, despite a continuous attack but still deadlocked before the 11 players focused defense of Iran. The Spanish players will need 15 minutes to reach the second half better.
Spain is under attack. Carvajal released Isco volley fast but fly too high.
Get the cross from the left wing, Diego Costa has a very fast finish but not through the Iranian defender.
Iran midfielder Karim has a quick finish in the penalty area of Spain.
Beautiful female fans appear in the lens
After much effort, Spain found the scoreline, when Diego Costa turned in the penalty area between defenders and then close the ball into the corner.
Iran midfielder Mehdi turned high and headed the ball past De Gea. The defenders of Spain played a lack of concentration in this situation.
Iran take the ball to the goal and celebrate Spain passionately. However, after the VAR reference, the referee decided not to recognize this goal.
Hajisafi defends and must leave the field. Replaced by Mohammadi.
A messy situation in the Iranian penalty area. In spite of the Spanish striker's shot, the ball was in the final possession of Beiranvand.
Amiri fouled Carvajal. Immediately, the midfielder must receive a yellow card from the referee.
Pique to Iranian player Amiri is very easy to knit. Then he crossed his teammate and headed off the goal. Just about every score was balanced.
But Iran has not quit when they actively move and dispute.
Rodrigo Moreno thay Diego Costa.
The second half has 4 extra minutes
So the match ended Spain won the Iran 1-0