Match report

Spain Defeats Iran 1-0 in World Cup Match

Iran
Iran
0–1
FT
Spain
Spain
Jun 20, 2018

Spain secured a narrow but crucial victory over Iran, winning 1-0 in their World Cup match. The only goal of the game was scored by Diego Costa in the 54th minute, which proved decisive. Despite Iran's energetic play, Spain's defense remained robust, with key substitutions by coach Luis Enrique adding to their strength. This win puts Spain in a favorable position for advancing in the tournament.

Key Facts

  • • Diego Costa scored the only goal in the 54th minute for Spain
  • • Spain made three substitutions: Koke for Andrés Iniesta, M. Asensio for Lucas, and Rodrigo for Diego Costa
  • • Iran had two yellow cards, one for Vahid Amiri and one for O. Ebrahimi
  • • Iran made three substitutions: M. Mohammadi for E. Hajsafi, Alireza Jahanbakhsh for Karim Ansarifard, and S. Ghoddos for Vahid Amiri

Lineups

Iran

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Starting XI

  • 1 A. Beiranvand (G)
  • 8 M. Pouraliganji (D)
  • 23 R. Rezaeian (D)
  • 19 M. Hosseini (D)
  • 3 E. Hajsafi (D)
  • 9 O. Ebrahimi (M)
  • 6 S. Ezatolahi (M)
  • 10 K. Ansarifard (M)
  • 17 M. Taremi (M)
  • 20 S. Azmoun (F)
  • 11 V. Amiri (M)

Substitutes

  • 5 M. Mohammadi
  • 18 A. Jahanbakhsh
  • 14 S. Ghoddos
  • 2 M. Torabi
  • 7 M. Shojaei
  • 12 M. Mazaheri
  • 13 M. Khanzadeh
  • 15 P. Montazeri
  • 16 R. Ghoochannejhad
  • 21 A. Dejagah
  • 22 A. Abedzadeh

Spain

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Starting XI

  • 1 David de Gea (G)
  • 15 Sergio Ramos (D)
  • 3 Piqué (D)
  • 18 Jordi Alba (D)
  • 2 Carvajal (D)
  • 6 Andrés Iniesta (M)
  • 21 David Silva (M)
  • 5 Sergio Busquets (M)
  • 22 Isco (M)
  • 11 Lucas Vázquez (M)
  • 19 Diego Costa (F)

Substitutes

  • 8 Koke
  • 20 Asensio
  • 9 Rodrigo
  • 4 Nacho
  • 7 Saúl
  • 10 Thiago Alcântara
  • 12 Odriozola
  • 13 Kepa
  • 14 Azpilicueta
  • 16 Nacho Monreal
  • 17 Iago Aspas
  • 23 Pepe Reina

Timeline

  1. Spain
    54' Spain Goal · Normal Goal
    Diego Costa
  2. Iran
    69' Iran subst · Substitution 1
    Off: E. Hajsafi · On: M. Mohammadi
  3. Spain
    71' Spain subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Andrés Iniesta · On: Koke
  4. Iran
    74' Iran subst · Substitution 2
    Off: Karim Ansarifard · On: Alireza Jahanbakhsh
  5. Iran
    79' Iran Card · Yellow Card
    Vahid Amiri

    Foul

  6. Spain
    80' Spain subst · Substitution 2
    Off: Lucas · On: M. Asensio
  7. Iran
    86' Iran subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Vahid Amiri · On: S. Ghoddos
  8. Spain
    89' Spain subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Diego Costa · On: Rodrigo
  9. Iran
    90' Iran Card · Yellow Card
    O. Ebrahimi

    Foul

Match Stats

Stat Iran Spain
Fouls 14 14
Pass Accuracy 64% 90%
Offsides 2 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 7 18
Corners 2 6
Total Passes 216 776
Yellow Cards 2 0
Blocked Shots 0 8
Shots on Target 0 5
Shots off Target 7 5
Possession 22% 78%
Accurate Passes 139 701
Shots Inside Box 5 10
Saves 2 0
Shots Outside Box 2 8

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Diego Costa's goal in the 54th minute shifted momentum in Spain's favor, breaking the deadlock and boosting their confidence
  • ▸ Substitutions by both teams in the second half, particularly Spain’s introduction of Koke and M. Asensio, helped maintain pressure on Iran's defense, solidifying Spain's lead