The 4-5-1 deployed by Iran against Spain frequently became a 6-3-1 with the two wide midfielders dropping in outside a narrow back-four. Defensive and midfield lines remained compact and disciplined and frustrated Spain.

The 4-5-1 deployed by Iran against Spain frequently became a 6-3-1 with the two wide midfielders dropping in outside a narrow back-four. Defensive and midfield lines remained compact and disciplined and frustrated Spain.