#WC2018: Iran fending off Spain at halftime in Kazan
MOSCOW, Russia (AP) — The first half of the match between Spain and Iran has been a game of attack vs defence, with the Persian team holding the 2010 champions to a goalless draw at the break.
Facing a very compact Iranian team that came out on the pitch to defend, Spain has been pressing very high without finding an edge. Spain controlled the game and held possession, waiting patiently for an opening as Iran defended with 10 players for most of the half.
Spain failed to create clear-cut chances and was mostly dangerous from set pieces, including the 25th minute when a free kick from David Silva that took a deflection was stopped by ‘keeper Ali Beiranvand.
David Silva came close near the half-hour mark following a mix-up in the area but his attempted half-volley with his back to the net ended over.