KAZAN, Russia, June 20 -- Diego Costa's lone goal in the second half gave Spain a 1-0 win over Iran in their World Cup Group B match here on Wednesday.

After a goalless first-half, Diego Costa broke the deadlock for Spain in the 54th minute after his shot bounced past Ali Beiranvand into the bottom-left corner after meeting a pass from Andres Iniesta.

Saeid Ezatolahi almost leveled the score for Iran in the 62nd minute, but the Iranians' cheers were cut short when the goal was ruled offside with the help of video assistant referee (VAR) system.

Wednesday's match opened with Spain launching fierce attacks but failing to find clear-cut chances as the Iranian side put up a strong defense.

The Spanish side made their first threat in the 3rd minute, as Carvajal kicked a speculative shot but was headed away by Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand. Only one minute later, another shot from Spain was tipped away by Beiranvand.

Facing Spain's fierce attacks, the Iranian side tightened their defense to their own half court in the rest of the first half and practically left Spain no chance.

Paces picked up in the second half with Spain desperate to make a breakthrough.

After Costa scored in the 54th minute, the Iranians changed strategy and showed more attacking intents but failed to get even.

FIFA statistics showed that Spain made 17 attempts at the goal throughout the match, while Iran made only five. Ball possession was 69 percent for Spain and 31 percent for Iran.

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