Late drama sees Spain win Group B at World Cup

Substitute’s flick counts after VAR review to set up last-16 meeting with Russia

Spain will face hosts Russia in the last 16 of the World Cup after finishing top of Group B following a dramatic 2-2 draw with already-eliminated Morocco in Kaliningrad last night.

Spain, 2-1 down thanks to Morocco substitute Youssef En-nesyri’s 81st minute header, were set to finish second and therefore take on Uruguay in the next round.

Their substitute Iago Aspas then flicked the ball into the net in stoppage time and saw that the flag was up for offside – but the goal was subsequently given following a VAR review.

Spain had gone 1-0 down in the 14th minute when Khalid Boutaib punished a mix-up between Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos, before drawing level five minutes later through Isco’s strike.

While Fernando Hierro’s side, who survived a scare 10 minutes after the break as Nordin Amrabat’s strike hit the woodwork, snatched a point, Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by Iran thanks to a late goal by their opponents.

It left Spain and Portugal level on five points each, with goals scored putting the former ahead, and the latter set to face Group A winners Uruguay.

Spain looked wobbly in defence when pressed by a committed, aggressive Morocco side, with Boutaib denied by the legs of David de Gea after Hakim Ziyech’s quick throw sent him clear.

Midfielder Isco said: “Now we are facing the moment of truth but I have complete faith in this team.

“Morocco was a really tough match. Maybe we were lacking greater control of the game and normally that is what we do a lot better.”

On a clash with the hosts in Moscow on Sunday in the last 16, he said: “It’s going to be a tough game.

“They have the whole country behind them and play excellent football.

“We played a friendly against them ahead of the World Cup so we know about them.”

Morocco coach Herve Renard said: “I think our players, the whole team, should be commended for this game and the entire World Cup.”

Picture: Getty Images. Iago Aspas flicks the ball past Morocco keeper Monir El Kajoui for Spain’s late equaliser.