In the end, Iran were just unable to get the goal that would have earned them one of the surprises of the tournament, and will now need to get a result against Portugal on Monday if they are to reach the Round of 16.
Spain's pre-tournament coaching debacle marred the start of their campaign, with Julen Lopetegui quitting 24 hours before Russian Federation 2018 commenced - but they remain amongst the favorites for the title due to the strength of their current playing squad.
Former Ireland midfielder Roy Keane looked suitably unimpressed when ex-West Ham manager Slaven Bilic said that he had sympathy for Spain following their 1-0 win over Iran on Wednesday.
Cunha overturned the goal after an assistant referee and the video assistant signaled that the player was offside.
Then, trailing in the second half, Iran almost equalized when Saeid Ezatolahi had a goal ruled out on video review.
Iran could have scored in the 80th minute but Mehdi Taremi's header went over the bar. "If we had six more months (without it) maybe we would have had a point - but it is good for the credibility of football". "I hope we score quickly".
But it was cruel on Iran and fortunate for Costa as the Atletico Madrid striker fired the ball against Ramin Rezaeian but it deflected back off the Spain player and into goal.
"It's a crucial match that will determine our World Cup destiny", said Isco.
Diego Costa's fortunate goal settled a tight contest in Kazan, moving Spain level on points with Portugal at the top of Group B.
The Spaniards faced Cristiano Ronaldo at his finest in their first World Cup game and walked away with a single point against Portugal after a 3-3 draw.
It was not until the 25th minute that Spain had a shot on target, with Silva sending a free kick straight into the arms of keeper Ali Beiranvand. At half time we corrected some things and improved after the goal.
The Real Madrid defender was only playing because his club-mate and first-choice right-back Dani Carvajal was injured, but he came close to writing himself into World Cup history by thrashing home a spectacular half-volley from the edge of the box to give Spain a 3-2 lead.
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