(FIFA.com)
19 Jun 2018
Iran did their homework ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™. While there was undoubtedly an element of luck about their late win against Morocco, the team did exactly what was expected of them – play with passion. It was clear from the outset that a draw from the opening match would almost certainly not be enough for the Asian side to make it out of such a high-quality group. With three points under their belts, they are now at the top of Group B and brimming with confidence.
- Iran top their group after first World Cup win since 1998
Will Daniel Carvajal return to Spain’s starting XI?
Meanwhile 2010 world champions Spain made a frantic start to the competition. While their 3-3 draw with Portugal was a spectacle worthy of a place in the World Cup history books, La Rojaonly earned a point for their exertions. Will coach Fernando Hierro make changes for his second match in charge? He may not need to. By scoring a brace, Diego Costa showed that he belongs within the team’s system. Players moved the ball around in midfield with their customary ease, while David de Gea will be determined not to concede three goals next time around – something captain Sergio Ramos will be glad to support him with.
Possible line up
IRAN
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| Alireza Biranvand | |||
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| Ramin Rezaeian | Morteza Pouraliganji | Pejman Montazeri | Ehsan Haji Safi |
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| Omid Ebrahimi | Masoud Shojaei | Saeid Ezatolahi | Vahid Amiri |
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| Sardar Azmoun | Alireza Jahanbakhsh | ||
SPAIN
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David de Gea |
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| Jordi Alba | Sergio Ramos | Gerard Pique | Nacho |
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| Thiago Alcantara | Sergio Busquets | Andres Iniesta | David Silva |
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| Isco | Diego Costa | ||