Spain is trembling towards the round of 16

After the arduous 1-0 against a humorless Iranian defense bulwark, the 2010 world champion goes into his final group game against already failed Morocco four years after his preliminary round exit in Brazil with four points (0 points). Since Portugal (4) and Iran (3) face each other at the same time on Monday, a draw would be enough for Spain to reach the knockout rounds.

Spain needed a strange goal against the Iranians' disgusting hedgehog tactics: Ramin Reazeian shot at Costa's leg in an attempt to defend, and the ball bounced into the goal for the attacker's third goal of the tournament (54th). Shortly afterwards, the Red Fury were also lucky that after a video review, Saeid Ezatolahi's goal was disallowed for offside (62): difficult to see, but undoubtedly the right decision. Spain has now been unbeaten for 22 games, which, according to FIFA, is currently the longest streak in international football.

Iran's players mourn after their first defeat in Russia. © APA/afp / LUIS ACOSTA

The game in front of 42.718 spectators in Kazan was anything but fun for the Spaniards. When they attacked, the Iranians often stood in a line at the back with six men, with three sixes in front protecting them. The effort to penetrate this mobile thicket of legs with passes was like a game of handball. The Spaniards played around the penalty area, waiting for a gap, but they hardly found one.

Spain's interim coach Fernando Hierro made two changes after the draw against Portugal and its triple goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo: the recovered Dani Carvajal occupied the right wing as usual, Koke was replaced by the more attacking Lucas Vasquez - and yet it took until the 30th minute before the Spaniards had their first chances after a header assist and a shot from Silva. 15.000 Iranians rejoiced too soon There was only one shot on goal in the first half - with 72 percent possession for the Spaniards. After that it became a little more entertaining, also to the delight of the around 15.000 Iranians in the stadium, who had already seen Karim Ansarifard's shot into the side netting in the goal. Spain remained superior even after their opening goal, but also revealed some weaknesses in the Iranian counterattacks. This was also the case in the 82nd minute with Mehdi Taremi's header.

In addition to the Iranians in Kazan, thousands of people at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran also watched the broadcast from Kazan - including women for the first time since the 1979 revolution after a U-turn by the Iranian authorities. The provincial parliament of Tehran decided to do so after the win against Morocco (1-0).

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Spain is trembling towards the round of 16

Thanks to a billiards goal from striker Diego Costa, Spain has one foot in the round of 16 at the World Cup in Russia. However, there was a heavy dose of dullness in the game against Iran.

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