Spain got their first win of the tournament with a narrow 1-0 win over Iran in the World Cup Group B encounter between the two sides at the Kazan Arena last night.
Fernando Hierro’s men were made to work their socks off by a determined Iranian side who fought tooth and nail to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The result now means that Spain and Portugal are currently tied at 4 points each while Iran are in close pursuit of the European heavyweights with 3 points from their 2 games so far. Qualification from Group B could go down to the wire and without further delay, let’s take a closer look at three factors that helped Spain get over the line against Iran:
1. VAR
The VAR and intervention of technology continues to be the main talking point of the tournament’s group stages so far and yesterday was no different.
Referee Andres Cunha, who was previously involved in the penalty incident during the game between France and Australia, was yet again involved in another retrospective decision that ruled out Iran’s equalizer on the night.
2. Width on the flanks
Fernando Hierro made two changes from the team that drew 3-3 against Portugal at Sochi last week as Lucas Vazquez replaced Koke and Dani Carvajal returned to fitness to retain his spot in the line-up on the night.
The introduction of these wide players on the right-hand side provided Spain with a lot of width while going forward and La Furia Roja made full use of the flanks to try and break down a resolute Iranian side.
3. Diego Costa
Diego Costa is finally answering his critics at the international stage in sumptuous fashion.
If the two well taken goals against Portugal in their opening game was an indication, then his precise finish to find the winner against Iran last night has well and truly put the argument to bed.
Costa is rightfully the matador who holds the mantle for Spain as they look to avenge the horrors of their last World Cup campaign, and he seemingly has no intention of backing off
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