World Cup 2018: Spain Beats Iran 1-0 In Second Group-Stage Game [VIDEO]

Spain defeated Iran 1-0 in Kazan, Russia on Wednesday in both teams’ second 2018 FIFA World Cup game.

Spain Defeats Iran 1-0 In World Cup

Diego Costa provided Spain’s lone goal in the 53rd minute. After taking a pass from Andres Iniesta in the box, Costa took a shot that seemed to deflect both off his own leg and an Iranian defender’s leg. It was not marked as an own goal, however, likely because the ball also went off Costa’s leg.

Iran had several strong scoring chances in the second half, but ultimately couldn’t finish. There were also several moments during the game where Iran’s players seemed to argue with the referee about injuries they claim to have sustained, but the officials weren’t buying it. Apparently, neither were Spain’s players or the announcers at certain points.

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Iran’s Saeid Ezatolahi also scored a goal on a free kick in the 62nd minute, but it was disallowed after officials ruled it was scored offside thanks to a video assistant referee (VAR). Ezatolahi moved offside after the kick but before a teammate headed the ball to him.

ESPN also reported some amazing statistics on the game 35 minutes in:

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Spain and Portugal now lead Group B with four points each after a win and a tie in the tournament, after Portugal beat Morocco 1-0 earlier on Wednesday. Iran has three points, while Morocco appears to be virtually eliminated from the World Cup.