It was about as visceral a challenge as football can present: a hugely attritional contest played out to the relentless, infernal sound of Iranian vuvuzelas, which drowned out any means of communication and thought. It was just as well that Spain had the man for such a test.
Diego Costa’s goal, just after half time, came as you wondered whether they had what it took to knock down the door built by Iran in a partisan atmosphere straight out of central Tehran. The goal was not an object of beauty but the winners of this tournament will need much more than artistry.
Someone had brought a banner which read ‘Iran 0 Spain 0’ because even the thousands or Iranians who swarmed up the walkways with their vuvuzelas knew what the game plan would be. This was an Iran team which had conceded five goals in 18 qualifying games. There was a reason why two of the three players who’d picked up yellow cards against Morocco didn’t start. Carlos Quieroz had nothing but attrition on his mind.
It was Diego Costa who finally provided the breakthrough for Spain with a turn and finish nine minutes after the break
Iran defender Ramin Rezaeian kicked the ball into Costa 12 yards out and it deflected into the net with the keeper helpless
Costa knew little about his finish, however the skill in the build-up deserved a goal – and Spain were totally dominant
There was something quite captivating about the dance that unfolded: Iran deploying six across the back and three in front of them, though it morphed to a flat back nine at times, while Spain tried to weave a silver thread through all of the obstacles.
Some monumental performances repelled the Spanish in the first half. Saeid Ezatolahi, sitting in front of the defence at the start, was the human shield. The central defenders threw everything at the effort which after half an hour had given them just 16.7 per cent of possession.
There was the impeccable manipulation of the the ball we’ve come to expect from Spain, yet there is a substantial difference between metronomic and dynamic.
Almost by osmosis, the Spanish sought out the flanks with the diagonal ball, but those wide spaces were a wasteland, given that there was a monumental red barrier to lift the ball above.
This needed the dynamic pass which would break the Iranian defensive lines or, dare it be said, the long ball seeking Costa, but for 45 minutes those didn’t come.
When Costa did what Costa does – trod on Ali Beiranvand’s foot when the goalkeeper was in possession – you felt it was necessary. It might have taken something of the night to break down that door.
David Silva, their most dangerous threat, fastened onto a loose ball with back to goal and fired over just before the half hour. The same player’s shot as deflected wide after a rare vertical pass from Isco had surprised the Iranians.
The goal was unfortunate, but came following a first half where Spain had more than 80 per cent of the possesion
Costa and his Spain team mates celebrate with more relief than joy after finally breaking through the Iranian defences
Iran thought they had an equaliser on 61 minutes but Saeid Ezatolahi’s goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review
Ezatolahi (No 6, bottom of picture) was off when a flicked header from a free kick struck him before he bundled the ball in
Ezatolahi’s goal sparked huge celebrations on the Iranian bench – however VAR correctly cut the jubilation short
Spain dominated first half possession but Iran’s defending meant their chances were limited to likes of David Silva’s free kick
Stalemate was treacherous for Spain. Karim Amsarifard smashed a ball into the side netting just after the break and the Iranian bench, briefly convinced he had scored, was on its feet.
And then – the breakthrough, from the player who brings that degree of difference and danger. Costa called for the ball and, back to goal when Andres Iniesta delivered ahead, he dragged it back into a clear shooting position. Defender Ramin Rezeaeian’s covering challenge saw him hit the ball into his own net off Costa’s leg.
The Spanish were not out of the woods. Saeid Ezatolahi crashed the ball in from the penalty area, provoking more elirium from their bench, though was correctly ruled offside when the ball reached him from a free kick to the back post – a decision confirmed by VAR.
Even at the death, Queiroz’s side almost equalised, when Vahid Amiri nutmegged Gerard Pique on the left and crossed for Mahdi Taremi, who powered his head over. The kind of test which those with pretensions to win this trophy have to pass.
Silva also attempted an acrobatic effort, but again was off target as Spain were frustrated in the opening stages in Kazan
Iran defended extremely deep, at various points of the match having all 11 players back in their box as protection
There was a minor moment of controversy when Costa appeared to tread on the foot of Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand
Referee Andres Cunha had to diffuse the situation, although it looked entirely accidental on the part of Costa
Iran were clearly keen to play for a draw, with their players happy to waste time at every opportunity during the match
Iran striker Azmoun battles for the ball with Busquets during a rare Iranian break forward in attack in the first 45 minutes
Gerard Pique almost gave Spain the lead shortly after half time, but was not able to quite flick the ball on target
Beiranvand had to make a good double save to preserve the score at 0-0, the first a dive to palm away a Busquets drive
The Iran No 1 could not get the ball away from his goal mouth, but he reacted well to scoop it away from Lucas Vazquez
Costa almost bagged a second with 20 minutes to play, but could not force the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble
The Iranian fans created a loud and colourful atmosphere, with several blowing vuvuzelas in a flashback to South Africa 2010
Two female Iranian supporters enjoy the Group B encounter, with their team coming into the match as huge underdogs
Before the match began, Spain midfielder Isco helped a small, injured bird off the field of play by picking it up