PBP: WC2018 Match 20: Iran-Spain 20 June

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

KO at 1100 hrs PDT, 1400 hrs EDT.

Spain starting XI are: De Gea, Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Busquets, Silva, Isco, Lucas and Costa.

Aupa Espanha y La Furia Roja!

Oscar · Jun 20, 2018

No Iniesta?

Juanele · Jun 20, 2018

Oscar said: ↑

No Iniesta?
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He is in there, Pichi just forgot

Oscar · Jun 20, 2018

Aah, so Lucas instead of Koke then.

Let's keep the cards at a minimum, and the goals at a maximum.

Oscar · Jun 20, 2018

Vamos!

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

Here we go Aupa Espanha y La Furia Roja!!

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

Lets do something with this free kick!

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

The usual 75% possession at this point.

Oscar · Jun 20, 2018

Not a lot of use for Vazquez'speed against this bunker tbh

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

1/2 way through the first half 0-0 73% possession two shots none on goal,

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

Oscar said: ↑

Not a lot of use for Vazquez'speed against this bunker tbh
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They sometimes have up to 6 players on the back defensive line, makes you wonder if the first goal will be from a set piece or a quick give and go

Oscar · Jun 20, 2018

How was that not a foul on Costa ref? Sheesh

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

First shot on goal, progress!

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

Spain needs to bag a goal so it will spread the Iranian team as they go for the equalizer which should allow for Spain to bag a few more and work on that goal differential which may be important when it comes to deciding the top team in this group!

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

Uyyy Silva

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

Are the jerseys the white ones or a very light blue, I can't tell on my TV?

unclesox · Jun 20, 2018

Kit looks all white to me.
The Group B winner would not only (possibly) avoid a few of the bigger names in the knockout rounds but they would also play every match bar the quarterfinals in Moscow.

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

Those last passes inside the box are not that accurate

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

The background noise is irritating as hell on the TV

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

3 minutes stoppage

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

0-0 HT

Juanele · Jun 20, 2018

So this is where we find out what kind of coach Hierro is. How does he help the team solve the problem

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

So you're HIerro what do you tell the muchachos in the locker room about what they need to do differently in the second half against the Iranian catenaccio??

Oscar · Jun 20, 2018

Probably the most negative football I've seen this WC from Iran, but I can't blame them. It's working for them so far.

I don't see a point for Vazquez at the moment. We can use him when we score and they would come, but we need to score first. In that sense I would sub in Asensio for him. If we eventually do score then, you can always sub in Aspas to look for a break.

Pichi · Jun 20, 2018

Oscar said: ↑

Probably the most negative football I've seen this WC from Iran, but I can't blame them. It's working for them so far.

I don't see a point for Vazquez at the moment. We can use him when we score and they would come, but we need to score first. In that sense I would sub in Asensio for him. If we eventually do score then, you can always sub in Aspas to look for a break.
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I agree that once Spain scores Iran will have to open up their lines to get an equalizer and without 5-6 men in the back Spain should run up the score. However the Iranians with their Melli Catenaccio are not giving any playing space for Spain in the box. Silva looks the most dangerous right now. I would use the wings and get down to the end line and bring the ball back into the front of the box and let a Ramos, Silva or Busquets get a screamer of a shot for a goal. Vamos!!