Costa’s goal is a big slice of luck for wasteful Spaniards

THIS World Cup has already seen its fair share of shocks, despite the tournament just turning a week old.

First there was Argentina’s 1-1 draw with Iceland before Mexico stunned champions Germany with a 1-0 win on Sunday.

For 54 minutes of this match, Spain looked set to become the latest side to have their ego pricked in humbling fashion as they toiled in vain against a defiant Iran team.

But unlike their heavyweight counterparts, Spain found their breakthrough.

After Portugal’s 1-0 win over Morocco, it was vital the Spaniards followed suit and, although the number of chances they missed will be of some concern, their perseverance definitely stands as a positive.

It’s in nitty-gritty games like this where World Cup-winning teams grit their teeth and get the job done — and Spain will be happy to have done that yesterday evening.

It may have not made for particularly entertaining football, but Iran’s defensive display was mightily impressive — despite eventually conceding.

From the off it was clear that Carlos Queiroz’s men were out to frustrate their opponents in the hope of snatching a draw.

Indeed, at times all 10 of Iran’s outfield players were more than happy to drop off into their own half when Spain were in possession in an attempt to condense play and narrow the opposition channels.

Compact, well-drilled and moving in unison, Iran’s tactics had the desired effect as Spain struggled to cut open Queiroz’s side.

Their pressing game was particularly effective, affording Spain precious little time on the ball, particularly when entering Iran’s final third.

Of course, Iran were eventually undone in the 54th minute but they should hold their heads high after their display.

Everyone loves an underdog IRAN: Beiranvand, Rezaeian, Hosseini, Pouraliganji, Hajsafi (Mohammadi 69), Ebrahimi, Ezatolahi, Ansarifard (Jahanbakhsh 74), Taremi, Amiri (Ghoddos 86), Azmoun.

Subs not used: Mazaheri, Torabi, Shojaei, Khanzadeh, Montazeri, Ghoochannejhad, Dejagah, Cheshmi, Abedzadeh.

Booked: Amiri, Ebrahimi. SPAIN: de Gea, Carvajal, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Busquets, Iniesta (Koke 71), Silva, Isco, Lucas (Asensio 79), Costa (Rodrigo 89).

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Nacho,Saul, Thiago, Odriozola, Azpilicueta, Monreal, Aspas, Reina.

Goals: Costa 54.

Referee: Andres Cunha (Uruguay). story — or, at least, that’s how it normally works.

For Iran, their questionable antics may have turned off a large proportion of fans who would have otherwise thrown their support behind the minnows.

Roy Keane, speaking during the half-time break for ITV, was certainly not impressed as he vented his frustration at the Iranians for their time-wasting and histrionics.