Kazan: Spain defeated Iran with a fantastic 1-0, in a Group B fixture of the FIFA World Cup in Kazan, Russia.
Spain made a deserved breakthrough in the 54th minute through Diego Costa and earned the much-needed lead.
The destiny Iran had savoured in the first game against Morocco abandoned them.
After both the sides played a goalless first half, Spain got it early in the second with Costa breaking the deadlock.
Diego Costa knew little about the fluke goal that broke Iran’s resistance.
The ball found its way into the net after it hit Iran defender Majid Hosseini and then ricocheted off the Atletico forward past Ali Beiranvand.
Striker Costa claimed his third goal of the tournament in the 54th minute at Kazan Arena.
Following that, the speed of the game went notches high as Iran desperately looked for an equaliser but to no avail.
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Iran was brilliant in defence for much of the night but also made a number of telling incursions.
A goal by Saeid Ezatolahi was ruled out offside after being reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR).
With this victory in the basket, both Spain and Portugal have four points in Group B following their 3-3 draw and subsequent 1-0 victories.
Iran has three points but Morocco has been eliminated.