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FIFA World Cup: Spain vs Iran match preview
20 Jun 2018
2010 World Cup champions Spain will be eyeing their first win of the 2018 World Cup when they go head-to-head with Iran at Kazan Arena.
La Roja were held to a 3-3 draw by Portugal, in their opening game, courtesy of the hat-trick by Cristiano Ronaldo.
On the other hand, Iran beat Morocco via a 95th-minute own goal.
Here's our match preview.
Rubin Kazan's Sardar Azmoun will look to do the damage
Iran's superstar
Iran have already won a game and they know that a victory against Spain would take them a step closer to the knock-out stages.
All hopes will be riding on Sardar Azmoun, who has the experience of playing in the Russian Premier League.
The Rubin star was Iran's leading goal-scorer in the qualifying campaign.
He found the back of the net on 11 occasions.
Spain managerial change came at the wrong time
Questionable
Spain, on the other hand, had plenty of drama heading into the World Cup.
One of the pre-tournament favorites, Spain sacked manager Julen Lopetegui just two days ahead of their opening game against Portugal.
They appointed former captain Fernando Hierro as the head coach of the side.
Fernando is definitely under pressure after they drew the first game against Portugal.
Carvajal fit and ready to go
Massive boost
In a significant boost to Spain, Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal has recovered from the hamstring injury, which he suffered in the Champions League final.
He could be in contention for a starting spot.
Iran, on the other hand, have no injury concerns and have a fully fit squad at their disposal.
First meeting between Iran and Spain
Head-to-head
This will be the first time that these two sides will lock horns.
Iran are winless against European oppositions at the World Cup in 6 games, having lost 5 and drawing 1.
Spain, on the other hand, are unbeaten against Asian opponents at the World Cup. They have won 2 and drawn 2.
They, however, did lose to South Korea on penalties in 2002.
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