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Bob Lenarduzzi: Spain needs to get back on track against Iran

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Spain takes on Iran on Wednesday, with Iran the surprise leaders in Group B. Spain, though, is one of the tournament favourites, and has a point to prove after its opening 3-3 draw with Portugal, not to mention disappointing performances at the last World Cup and Euro 2016.

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It’s a good bet that Iran won’t stay in top spot much longer.

The heart and soul of this Spanish side is Andres Iniesta, the stylish midfield general who is playing in his last World Cup. Iniesta, along with former teammate Xavi, were the key figures in Spain’s tiki-taka passing style. Spain’s fortunes have been in decline since Xavi retired from international play in 2014, and with Iniesta soon to follow fans are worried what it will mean for the national team.

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Real Madrid’s Isco is considered the heir apparent to Iniesta, but as good as Isco is, those are big boots to fill.

Against Portugal, the standout player for Spain was striker Diego Costa, who scored twice. The Brazilian-born Costa has never been seen as a particularly good fit with this Spanish side, as tiki-taka is not his game. Spain would prefer a player who is quick and deft, making darting runs in the box while the midfield probes for openings.

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Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta of Spain — the heart and soul of his team — kisses the ball during Spain’s 3-3 draw with Portugal last Friday in the World Cup opener for both teams. (Photo: Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)
Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta of Spain — the heart and soul of his team — kisses the ball during Spain’s 3-3 draw with Portugal last Friday in the World Cup opener for both teams. (Photo: Maddie Meyer, Getty Images) Photo by Maddie Meyer /Getty Images

Costa, though, is at his best when charging forward, and has enjoyed his greatest success with teams that play a counter-attacking style. He is a world-class forward, though, and he and Spain are finding ways to make it work.

A key part to Spain’s past success has been its defence and ability to deny opponents scoring chances. Cristiano Ronaldo was having none of that in last Friday’s clash, and Spain coach Fernando Hierro can’t be too pleased that his team has already given up three goals.

Neither can David de Gea, who came into the tournament hailed as the best goalkeeper in the world. He didn’t look it on Ronaldo’s second goal. De Gea struggled when he first arrived at Manchester United, and with so much of the game at this level being psychological, he may just need time to get settled into a new environment. You don’t have the luxury of time at the World Cup, though, and I shudder to think of the reaction if de Gea were to blunder a goal against Iran!

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Iran winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, celebrating his team’s win over Morocco in its World Cup opener on Friday, was top scorer in the Dutch league this past season, playing for AZ Alkmaar. (Photo: Themba Hadebe, Associated Press)
Iran winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, celebrating his team’s win over Morocco in its World Cup opener on Friday, was top scorer in the Dutch league this past season, playing for AZ Alkmaar. (Photo: Themba Hadebe, Associated Press) Photo by Themba Hadebe /Associated Press

As for Iran, the player to watch is winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, who was top scorer in the Dutch league this past season, playing for AZ Alkmaar.

Jahanbakhsh is the first Asian player to top a major European league in scoring. He plays on the right, and so will be lining up against Barcelona fullback Jordi Alba, who has tremendous pace. That could be quite a battle.

Bob Lenarduzzi is president of Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Tickets: visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets

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