Editions
Los 40 USA
Scores
Follow us on
Hello

WORLD CUP 2018

Spain's Carvajal slams Iran antics: "I don't think that's football"

Dani Carvajal was not impressed by the Iranians' gamesmanship in Spain's 1-0 World Cup win over Carlos Queiroz's side on Wednesday.

Spain's Carvajal slams Iran antics: "I don't think that's football"
JUAN FLORDIARIO AS

Iran 0-1 Spain: Dani Carvajal's post-match interview

Narrow win in Kazan: "We found it difficult. We knew it was going to be like this. Iran have a very clear game plan. The main thing is that we won the game, and we know exactly what we need to do to top the group."

Iran: "The way they set up their side to shut up shop is part and parcel of football, but all the time-wasting and feigning injury ruins the game. I don't think that's football; it's not in the spirit of the game."

Iranians' time-wasting: "Their players repeatedly went down for no reason, even when they weren't hurt, when they hadn't been fouled."

Dani Carvajal reacts during Spain's win over Iran on Wednesday.
Full screen
Dani Carvajal reacts during Spain's win over Iran on Wednesday.ROMAN KRUCHININAFP

Iran's approach: "It's hard to play against a side that sits back and defends in numbers. These are the types of games that win World Cups. They're obstacles you have to negotiate; you just have to find a way to get those three points. Now what's most important is that we go on and top the group."

Spain display: "We went after the game that bit more in the second half."

Iran chances: "We had such a tough time getting our goal that I think the team kind of subconsciously looked to protect it. They created danger from dead balls, but we managed to keep a clean sheet."

Return from injury: "I'm really happy to have played my first game [at the World Cup] and helped the side to get the win. I feel fully fit and completely over my injury."