World Cup warm up: Do Iran have any chance against giants Spain?

Iran remarkably finished the first round of group games at the 2018 World Cup top of Group B above Portugal, Spain and Morocco. Carlos Queiroz’s side are in dreamland after beating Morocco 1-0 last week, ending Iran’s 20-year wait for a win in the World Cup. Now that Iran have already achieved their dream, what’s next for the Persian Stars?

Unfortunately for Iran, it’s hard to envisage Queiroz’s side picking up any more points from remaining group matches against Spain and Portugal. In truth, they were incredibly fortunate to even beat Morocco. After surviving a barrage of pressure from their opponents, they stole all three points thanks to an Aziz Bouhaddouz own goal in the fifth minute of injury time.

Mexico’s 1-0 win over reigning world champions Germany is strong contender for shock of the tournament, but any positive result for Iran on Wednesday night would trump that. Iran are as long as 17/1 with some bookmakers to beat Spain, emphasising the task at hand for Queiroz’s side.

Spain, meanwhile, will be aiming to pick up their first win of the 2018 World Cup after being held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Iberian rivals Portugal. Fernando Hierro’s side played well in patches, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to score a stunning free-kick to secure a share of the spoils for Portugal at the death.

Diego Costa has flattered to deceive on too many occasions in a Spain shirt, but the Atletico Madrid striker was in devastating form against Portugal. Costa netted twice against the Euro 2016 winners, as many as his previous five matches combined for Hierro’s side.

Despite committing a huge error against Portugal, Hierro has confirmed David De Gea will rightly keep his place in goal against Iran on Wednesday night. Sections of the Spanish press have called for the 27-year-old to be dropped after committing the latest in a long line of errors in a Spain shirt.

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In fact, De Gea’s error for Ronaldo’s second goal in the 3-3 draw with Portugal was more that he committed in all competitions for Manchester United last season (0). Spain have already gone through enough turmoil this summer and Hierro has wisely opted against making a hugely controversial decision after one group game.

Few changes, if any, are expected by Spain against Iran. Dani Carvajal could replace his Madrid team-mate Nacho at right-back after returning to training, while Bayern Munich’s Thiago will push to usurp Koke for a starting berth in midfield. Spain have such an abundance of riches at their disposal that both changes would arguably improve their starting XI.

For Iran, they know they have already overachieved this summer. Anything extra from here on out would be a real bonus for Queiroz’s men.

Writer Predictions:

Martin Laurence - Iran 0-3 Spain

Ben McAleer - Iran 0-2 Spain

Josh Wright - Iran 0-2 Spain