Troubled Spain face date with destiny against Iran
Spanish playmaker Isco said Wednesday’s match against Iran will determine their World Cup destiny as they seek to register their first win in Russia following a gripping 3-3 draw against Portugal.
Champions in 2010 and among the favourites this year, Spain’s World Cup ambitions were kept in check, almost single-handedly, by a stunning Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick. The draw came just two days after Spain’s campaign was thrown into disarray by the shock sacking of coach Julen Lopetegui following an untimely announcement by Real Madrid that he would join the 13-time European champions after the tournament.
Fernando Hierro, Spain’s sporting director, is now at the helm but barely a week into the tournament La Roja — expected to join Brazil, Germany and France in the latter stages — have endured more drama than they would have wanted or expected.
“It’s a crucial match that will determine our World Cup destiny,” said Isco. “We want to score from the opening minute, even though that won’t be easy.”
IRAN ON A HIGH
Iran kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win against Morocco, thanks to a late own-goal by Aziz Bouhaddouz, piling the pressure on Spain. Iran sit atop Group B team with a win so far, an achievement that sparked incredible celebrations back home. Coach Carlos Queiroz concedes Iran now face one of the biggest challenges in their World Cup history, but says they can “make the impossible possible”.
‘UNIVERSE CUP FINAL’
“If the game against Morocco was the World Cup final for us, the
game against Spain will be the Universe Cup final,” he said . “It was not a miracle that we won. What can happen once in a while is a group of people, when they are united, can create super stories and super things. Our attitude is to try and make the impos-
sible possible.”
Yet keeping Spain at bay to claim the point that would boost hopes of qualifying for the last 16 looks a tall order. Iran have never beaten a European side at a World Cup — their only previous win was over USA in France in 1998.