Mitch Freeley

You can watch the stream for Iran Vs Spain via beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Match Report

A fortuitous Diego Costa goal helped Spain overcome a dogged Iran to secure a 1-0 win in their World Cup Group B clash in Kazan.

Carlos Queiroz's side produced a defensive masterclass to reduce Spain to nothing more than half-chances during a hugely frustrating opening 53 minutes for the 2010 champions.

Costa - who scored twice in Friday's pulsating 3-3 draw with Portugal - eventually found the breakthrough, though, when Ramin Rezaeian's attempted clearance cannoned off his leg and into the bottom-left corner.

Iran had the ball in the back of the net just eight minutes later courtesy of Saeid Ezatolahi, but their wild celebrations were cut short after referee Andres Cunha was advised by VAR that Rezaeian's vital intervention had been made from an offside position.

Iran's approach was far more positive following Costa's strike, Mehdi Taremi heading just over from close range in what was their clearest opportunity to find an unlikely leveller. 

The win moves Spain level on points with Portugal at the top of Group B and they know victory against Morocco on Monday will be enough to secure qualification for the knockout stages. Iran, meanwhile, face Portugal on the same day needing a win to progress at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.

Spain handed a 100th cap to Gerard Pique, with Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez the only new faces from the side that drew against Portugal.

Any thoughts that Iran would be blown away by their more illustrious opponents soon dissipated as their expertly drilled defence comfortably rebuffed wave after wave of Spanish attack in the opening stages.

Fernando Hierro's side had to wait until the 25th minute for their first attempt on goal, David Silva's long-range free-kick comfortably held by Alireza Beiranvand.

The Manchester City midfielder came closer to breaking the deadlock five minutes later, but his hooked volley sailed narrowly over the crossbar from six yards out.

Spain's frustration was in danger of boiling over shortly before the interval when Costa got involved in an unnecessary spat with Beiranvand, although referee Cunha opted not to punish the combative striker.

Iran's resistance was nearly broken twice in quick succession at the start of the second period.

First, Pique's close-range effort was blocked and then Beiranvand palmed away Sergio Busquets' curled effort from the edge of the penalty area.

The Asian side almost scored the most unlikely of openers when Karim Ansarifard's instinctive effort from a corner flashed into David De Gea's side netting.

That near-miss was brought into sharp focus less than 60 seconds later when Costa picked up Andres Iniesta's pass inside the area and saw Rezaeian's attempted clearance ricochet off his leg and past the helpless Beiranvand.

Ezatolahi thought he had pulled Iran level shortly after the hour but his close-range finish after a scramble was ruled out courtesy of VAR after Rezaeian had strayed into an offside position.

Taremi's back-post header fizzed over De Gea's crossbar seven minutes from time as Iran pushed for an equaliser, but Spain held on for a 1-0 win they certainly deserved.

Live Updates

Goals/Highlights

Iran has the ball in the back of the net! Oh no! It's disallowed! VAR has come to the rescue for Spain! 

Goal! Diego Costa opens the scoring for Spain with a lovely finish! That's his third goal of the World Cup!

Close! Iran with a great chance to opening the score! 

World Class Analysis from Andy Gray. Iran is denying Spain all the space. It's working at half-time 0-0. 

Preview

TEAM NEWS! Carvajal & Vasquez come into the side. Sardar Azmoun starts up top for Iran. 

You can watch the stream of the match from Kazan Live & Exclusive on beIN SPORTS CONNECT.

Iran famously picked up the victory in the World Cup for the first time since 1998 against Morocco. Team Melli needed a huge slice of luck as Moroccan substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz headed into his own net. Cautious optimism will be the order of the day, and Iran boss Carlos Queros side will be looking for a similarly defensively strong performance against one of the favourites for the World Cup.

Sardar Azmoun didn't quite hit his stride in the opener against Morocco, but the precocious striker will be looking to step for his country in their game against the 2010 World Champions. Labelled the “Iranian Messi” Azmoun will be facing Spain in the familiar surroundings of the Kazan Arena.

Central defender Morteza Pouraliganji looked impressive in the back three against Morocco and the Al Sadd defender will have to be at his very best if team Melli is to come away with a positive result. Pouraliganji is a threat from set-pieces and could be an outlet of Iran as they are pushed back by the possession game of Spain.

Iran Predicted Team

Beiranvand; Hajisafi, Cheshmi, Pouraliganji, Rezaeian; Shojaei, Ebrahimi; Amiri, Ansarifard, Jahanbaksh; Azmoun

How to watch Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT

TV Channel- MAX HD3

Kick-off- 21:00 

Stadium- Kazan Arena, Kazan

As for Spain, they will be slightly frustrated with coming away with just a point in their opening 3-3 draw with Portugal. La Roja showed plenty of class in the game, keeping the ball well, however, mistakes in conceding the early penalty and the goalkeeping error from the usually solid David de Gea blotted an impressive performance.

New Spain boss Fernando Hierro, will be confident that those mistakes will not be repeated again, at that Spain can get their campaign back on track with a victory.

Diego Costa scored a fine brace in the opener and is likely to start again against Iran. The Atletico Madrid striker showed his individual class and poaching instincts with both goals and will be charged with breaking the deadlock against a mean Iranian defence.

David Silva also showed moments of class in the game against Portugal, seemingly never losing possession and keeping Spain’s passing game going in midfield. The Man City star is likely to start again against Iran and his influence will be crucial if Spain is to pick up their first victory of the 2018 World Cup.

Spain Predicted Team

De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Koke; Iniesta, Silva, Isco; Costa

It promises to be an interesting game as Iran and Spain meet for the first ever time. Watch the Live & Exclusive stream of the game on MAX HD3 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.