FIFA World Cup 2018: Iran coach Carlos Queiroz still hopeful despite loss against Spain | Football News - Hindustan Times
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FIFA World Cup 2018: Iran coach Carlos Queiroz still hopeful despite loss against Spain

Kazan | ByAFP
Jun 21, 2018 08:42 AM IST

A lucky goal by Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa handed Spain their first win of the tournament as they defeated Iran in the FIFA World Cup 2018 on Wednesday.

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz hailed the bravery of his side and pledged they would fight to make the last 16 after losing narrowly to Spain in their second FIFA World Cup 2018 group-stage encounter in Kazan on Wednesday.

Iran provided a good performance but were beaten by Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2018 on Wednesday.(AFP)
Iran provided a good performance but were beaten by Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2018 on Wednesday.(AFP)

“We left the pitch 1-0 down, but we won respect. I’m sure the fans are proud of our team,” said Queiroz.

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“Our players can go home and sit with their family and friends and be proud of themselves.

“People gave us no chance, but we still have chances to qualify for the second round. We’ll fight for our dreams.”

Spain coach Fernando Hierro welcomed Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal back into the starting line-up following his recovery from a hamstring injury suffered in the Champions League final win over Liverpool.

READ | Why Cristiano Ronaldo decided to grow ‘lucky’ goatee for FIFA World Cup 2018

With Lucas Vazquez replacing Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke, it gave La Roja a distinctively Real Madrid feel.

Costa got so frustrated with Iran’s defensive tactics that he approached Beiranvand and provocatively stepped on his toes, leaving the ‘keeper in visible pain.

It went unpunished by Uruguayan referee Andres Cunha, who had awarded France a historic first VAR-assisted penalty to France in their 2-1 win over Australia.

Spain resumed in more positive fashion after the break, Beiranvand forced to produce heroics twice in the space of four minutes.

But Iran refused to buckle, coming close in the final minutes when midfielder Mehdi Taremi headed just over.

Shortly after the restart an Isco corner was flicked on by Costa to Gerard Pique but his effort was cleared off the line. Sergio Busquets’ drive from 20 yards was then parried by Beiranvand, who palmed the rebound away before Lucas Vazquez could pounce.

READ | Fernando Hierro relieved Spain survived tough test against Iran

Some great vision from Iniesta, and a slice of luck, broke Iranian hearts when Costa spun and latched on to the ball before seeing his shot rebound off Ramin Rezaeian and into the net.

Spain, however, were still flattering to deceive.

On a rare Iranian counter-attack, goalkeeper David De Gea was left irate when Taremi was left to head a metre wide.

Moments later, the stadium erupted when Ezatolahi fired through a packed Spain area to beat De Gea, but the assistant referee’s flag was up.

In the final quarter hour Iran battled for a late equaliser, but after Vahid Amiri nutmegged Pique and fired over an inviting cross, Taremi’s thundering header flew just over the bar.

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