The Wednesday match against Spain was fast-paced and breathtaking. Iran had enjoyed its top of the group position with three points gained from victory against Morocco, and faced off Spain with renewed energy and solid determination to win.
The winner of the World Cup 2010, 2008 and 2012 Euro champion, with the most expensive lineup for a team, Spain still struggled to make an opening against Iran. Costa's goal came in the 54th minute, as Ramin Rezaian tried to kick the ball away, but the ball bounced back, hitting Costa and getting into the goal.
Spain, as it happened, had luck on its side, plus everything else. Iran went in with deep, solid defense, and had three brilliant chances to score: the first in the 53th minute as Karim Ansarifard’s shot flew into the side-netting; the second was when Saeid Ezatolahi put the ball past David de Gea, but the goal was disallowed for offside. The third chance was when Mehdi Taremi leaped to head the ball, but the ball flew over the bar from six yards.
The game ended 1-0 for Spain, giving the team its first win in the tournament. Spain and Portugal are on four points, while Iran is on three, which makes the last group stage match against Portugal all the more intense and terrifying. Iran will face Portugal on Monday in the final showdown that would decide whether Queiroz’s boys could advance to the next stage.
MS
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