Diego Costa's Goal Gives Spain Hard-Fought 1-0 Victory Over Iran

© AP Photo / Manu FernandezSpain's Gerard Pique, center, jumps for a header during the group B match between Iran and Spain at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia, Wednesday, June 20, 2018.
Spain's Gerard Pique, center, jumps for a header during the group B match between Iran and Spain at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia, Wednesday, June 20, 2018. - Sputnik International
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Spain moved in sight of a place in knockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Iran in Kazan.

Spain forward Diego Costa scored the only goal of the Group B game nine minutes after the break. The goal was extremely unfortunate for Iran, with a defensive clearance hitting Costa and the ball rebounded past the goalkeeper.

Iran midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi Afagh thought he had equalized midway through the second half. However, it was later canceled out for offside, after the referee consulted the video assistant referee system.

The result means Spain and Portugal are level at the top of Group B with four points, while Iran are a point further back on three. Morocco are bottom of the group without a point and have been knocked out of the tournament.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - Spain Squad Official Team Photo - Madrid, Spain - June 5, 2018 The Spain squad pose for a team photo - Sputnik International
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Meanwhile, Spain defender Gerard Pique has made his 100th appearance for his country against Iran at the FIFA World Cup, the team said on Wednesday.

"Happy centenary, Gerard Pique! Today [you] celebrate one hundred games defending our side," the team said via their official Twitter account. The 31-year-old defender was also named in the starting line-up.

Spain will face Morocco, and Iran will take on Portugal in their final group games on June 25.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Finals kicked off on June 14 and will continue until July 15, with the matches set to be played in 11 cities across Russia.

 

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