Luis Suarez’s first half strike for Uruguay saw off Saudi Arabia whilst Spain’s Diego Costa’s second half deflection was enough to beat Iran.
Diego Costa scored on a deflection to lift Spain past Iran, despite the best efforts of Carlos Queiroz’s side to find an equaliser.
Spain managed to walk away with three points against Iran, but the FC crew explain how Iran managed to disrupt La Roja.
KAZAN, Russia — Three quick thoughts from Spain’s 1-0 World Cup group-stage win over Iran at the Kazan Arena on Wednesday.
1. Costa’s fluke edges Spain closer to last 16
It has been a World Cup of strange bobbles, ricochets and bounces, and this time it was Spain’s turn to profit. Diego Costa knew little about the early second-half goal that broke Iran’s resistance, which had threatened to turn a frustrating night into a hugely damaging one. But they all count and, while Iran could point to…
With just one World Cup group stage win to their name, Iran will have their work cut out for them in a challenging Group B.
ESPN FC’s Stewart Robson wasn’t overly impressed with Iran and doesn’t feel there’s a way back for Morocco after their late capitulation.
SAINT PETERSBURG, Russia — Carlos Queiroz has guided three national teams to four World Cups but the game against Spain on Wednesday could prove to be his finest hour and a half, not just on the global stage but in a long and distinguished coaching career. If all goes well in Kazan vs. Spain, and then against Portugal in Saransk, the 65-year-old will have secured his reputation as one of the world’s top coaches.
He was already up there in the eyes of his Iran players after they threw him into the…
The guys respond to your tweets about Cristiano Ronaldo following his heroic display for Portugal against Spain in the World Cup.
When Cristiano Ronaldo whipped that vicious, nigh-on unstoppable free kick beyond David De Gea on Friday night, Spain howled and neutrals around the world rejoiced.
The game had finished in a draw but football had been the winner: Spain, for their part, had shown glimpses of their fluent, high-octane best and if that was an appetiser for match-ups between this World Cup’s big guns then the knockout stages, when they begin in a week and a half, will be something to behold.
Yet it is not that simple…
Iran
Spain
Fox
6:00 PM UTC
Match 20
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By Nick MulvenneyKAZAN, Russia, June 18 (Reuters) – Spain came through a tough World Cup opener against Portugal in impressive style as the aftershocks of the sacking of their coach were still reverberating and they will need to keep the pedal firmly to the floor when they meet Iran on Wednesday.The thrilling 3-3 draw with Portugal in Sochi eased concerns that Julen Lopetegui’s sudden departure would derail Spain’s campaign and reports coming out of the camp indicate an upbeat mood under his makeshift…
An unfortunate own goal from Aziz Bouhaddouz gifts Iran a last-gasp winner against Morocco.
Morocco’s Aziz Bouhaddouz scored an own goal deep into second half stoppage time to give Iran a 1-0 win at St. Petersburg Stadium.
Morocco
Iran
0
1
FT
Match 4
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Iran won their first World Cup match since 1998 as a 95th-minute Aziz Bouhaddouz own goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Morocco.
The game seemed to be headed for a goalless draw until the unchallenged Bouhaddouz managed to head a Ehsan Hajsafi free kick into his own net.
Morocco started much the stronger side, but the best chance the African side could muster for all their dominance was a goal-mouth scramble when Younes Belhanda saw a shot blocked before Medhi Benatia’s follow up was kept out by goalkeeper…
Morocco’s Munir El Haddadi stands tall to twice deny Iran from close range and keep the match goalless.
Recap all the key storylines from the second day of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.