WORLD CUP 2018: 'Toothless' Spain labour past spirited Iran

June 20, 2018 would be remembered as one of the rare days in world football that two strong teams played against minnows, but struggled to win against them. 

First it was Portugal, who beat Morocco 1-0. The Euro 2016 champions had no right to win the match, given their opposition bossed the game for most parts.  

And then followed Spain. Unlike Portugal, Spain dominated their opponents Iran in their 1-0 win, but the performance was well below the standards they have set for themselves.

It took a lucky strike from Diego Costa in the 54th minute for the 2010 champions to defeat the spirited Iran side. Before and after the goal, the Spanish team create very little to suggest they deserved a win.

After their enthralling 3-3 draw against Portugal, the spirits were high in the Spanish camp, given the performance they put up against their opponents. Hence, they went in with all but one change for the Iran match, with Lucas Vazquez replacing Koke.

The first half was arguably the least interesting half in this edition of World Cup. Spain had over 80 per cent of the possession, and bossed the match. Yet, when it came to chances, there was just one shot on target, that too a deflected free kick which was straight at the Iran keeper. 

Iran weren't given much chances heading into this match. And to be honest, the most they would have hoped from this fixture would have been a draw. They barely attacked in the first half, and put all 10 men behind the ball. Their defending was resolute and courageous.

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In the second half, Spain improved drastically, and got the reward for relentless pressure in the 54th minute. Andres Iniesta played some intricate football in the centre of the field, and then released Costa in the box with a lovely through ball.

The striker got very lucky, as his effort cannoned of the defender back to his shin, and went in the goal. There was little Iran keeper Bieranvand could have done. It was Costa's third goal this tournament.

After that, Iran got of their blocks, and took the attack to Spain. They thought they had scored in the 64th minute when Ezatolahi dispatched the ball in the net after a free kick was put in the box. But their joy was short lived, as assistant raised the flag for offside.

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Since that moment, till the end, it was Iran who were on the attack, and came close on couple of occasions. But Spain managed to hold on, and earn a hard fought three points.

Yet, it is fair to say their performance, for all the possession they had, was completely toothless.