Match Previews

An own goal presented Iran with outstanding last-minute 1-0 win over Morocco. Now aiming at a positive result against Spain. Cheshmi injured.

The beginning of the match against Morocco was far from easy for Iran, who were put under heavy pressure and risked succumbing more than once. With the passing of time, though, they managed to ease the pressure off and, through some counter-attacks, they became dangerous. After the break, the game turned into a midfield battle but Iran eventually struck winner well into injury time.

Ebrahimi offered a great performance as a wall in front of the defence while Beinranvand was also decisive with some fundamental saves. Jahanbakhsh, on the other hand, was not particularly efficient.

Thanks to their surprising and, partly, unexpected triumph over Morocco, Iran are now leading the Group B. They will aim at a positive result in the match against Spain in order to increase their knockout stage ambitions.

Ebrahimi is doubtful, having picked up physical issues against Morocco while Jahanbakhsh should be fine.

Ezatolahi will be back from suspension. Shojaei, Jahanbakhsh and Ansarifard are all one yellow card away from ban.

Cheshmi's World Cup could be over following a muscular problem picked up while training. One among Montazeri, who is quite experienced, Hosseini, who has little experience, or Khanzadeh should replace him in the heart of the defence. As an alternative, Iran could opt for a back 3.

Queiroz is considering a few changes for this one. Montazeri could be considered instead of Rezaeian at right-back while Ezatolahi could be preferred to Ebrahimi as the holding midfielder. Dejagah could be acting instead of Shojaei in the midfield.

This is the first time ever Iran and Spain meet.