Chris Sutton went out on a limb to praise Iran for their display against Spain.
It took a scrambled effort from Diego Costa to split the sides and put the Spanish back on course for a place in the knock out phase.
Sutton took part in a few backs-to-the-wall performances as a player and has never hidden his admiration for the uglier side of the game.
That’s why they are called tactics…. Were Iran supposed to lie down and let Spain do what they like? Ramos and Costa are 1 and 2 in the cynical charts… Iran were the better attacking team second half and should be applauded ..And it is they are or they’re…. https://t.co/cjaAh01LsX
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) June 21, 2018
Anyone who has played even local lge football against teams of a higher standard, couldn’t fail to admire #Iran. They were superb and deserved a point #IRNESP #teamethic Hope they beat Portugal
— Kevin C (@KevinC98453393) June 21, 2018
Every game yesterday was poor to watch. Big teams not performing and smaller teams not having a go. Too little too late from Iran and millions watching around the world were already bored shitless by then.
— hoops (@steelyhoops) June 21, 2018
They played Spain beautifully, defended hard and committed and attacked quickly and dangerously, Portugal have a game on their hands
— Alastair Baird (@Seagoon62) June 21, 2018
Defending is part of football. Too many people nowadays forget that.
— Martin Dougherty????????? (@MartinD1967) June 21, 2018
Last season Celtic took a few sore ones in the Champions League with Sutton critical of the approach taken by Brendan Rodgers.
Martin O’Neill, Gordon Strachan and Neil Lennon were never shy to close things down at the back but Rodgers believes that a more expansive approach will pay dividends.
Other than Saudi Arabia in the opening match no team has been hammered in the World Cup with Iran showing what can be achieved by sticking doggedly to a plan and executing to the letter the plans of their coach.