Iran out to upset 2010 world champions in Kazan

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Jun 19, 2018. 13:00

Iran will want to bag their second win in Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup when they face Spain on Wednesday afternoon.

The Asians have defied the odds in their opener and are still wallowing in glory after bagging their first in Group B over Morocco last Friday.

Coach Carlos Queiroz will motivate his men to push for another win against the 2010 champions, who did not have a bright start.

Although they may be motivated heading to this clash, taking the Europeans lightly could be detrimental for the Asians.

However, a win for them will lift them to six points at the top of the table and will boost their morale and knockout qualification ambitions.

On the other hand, La Roja are fresh from a 3-3 draw against Portugal in their thrilling opener on Friday night and the tie is seen as one of the best so far in the tournament.

Coach Fernando Hierro was gutted to see his men play to a draw after taking a lead towards the dying stages of the match, but will challenge his men to go for a win.

Spain sit third in the group with a point behind Portugal and will want to dispatch their next opponents to redeem their status as favourites to challenge reigning champions Germany for the crown.

Meanwhile, this will be the first meeting between the two nations and is set to be staged at 20:00 (CAT) and the venue is Kazan Arena on Wednesday evening.