The Sportsman Football

There goes the whistle in Kzan and Spain are delighted to get out of there with three points.

A hugely fortunate Diego Costa goal was the difference between the two sides in the end and it is hard to argue that they didn't deserve the win.

Iran tried every trick in the book and even had their moments to equalise but in the end it is fair to say that football was the winner.

Spain need a point from their last match against Morocco to confirm their place in the last 16.

Iran 0-1 Spain

A win for Spain in this World Cup clash.

It is that man again...

Diego Costa has scored in Kazan and Spain lead 1-0. 

The former Chelsea man knew nothing about the goal but he was in the way of a clearance from the Iran defender and it is past the keeper in the blink of an eye.

A lucky goal but no more than Spain deserve.

Advantage Espana.

Diego Da Silva Costa has scored for Spain in their match against Iran.

Iran have managed to hold on for the first 45 minutes with Spain so far unable to break them down.

As you would expect, it has been all Spain in the first half but they haven't made too many clear cut chances and there has been an air of frustration from them. 

Work for Spain to do yet...

Major injury news out of the England camp tonight...Gareth Southgate has dislocated his shoulder.

The England Manager is understood to have picked up the injury on a jog this afternoon near the team base in Repino.

Southgate is reported to be fine after the incident but we shouldn't expect any exuberant goal celebrations when England meet Panama on Sunday!

A good start to the match in Kazan with Spain dominating possession as you would expect but so far they are looking a little toothless.

Iran have had one or two forays in the Spain half but as it stands they are holding up well.

Spain need to move into the next gear if they are to break down this plucky Iran team.

0-0

Right then, two down and one to go...

All eyes are on Kazan this evening as Spain play Iran knowing they are under pressure to claim the win after being held by Portugal in their first group game.

Iran can play with less pressure having beaten Morocco but they face an almighty task up against one of the favourites for the tournament.

Game on!

Spain drew their opening game of the World Cup against Portugal and face Iran tonight.

Nacho is dropped for Spain while Dani Carvajal is back from injury. Lucas Vazquez replaces Koke in midfield.

A win for Uruguay in this World Cup clash.