World Cup 2018: 3 things that went right for Spain against Iran

#3 The matador in Diego Costa

Costa is proving to be a real handful at this tournament

Four years ago in Brazil, when defending world and European champions Spain were unceremoniously knocked off their perch, there was a lot of criticism rallied at Vicente Del Bosque for entrusting Diego Costa with the mantle to grab the goals for the side.

According to the naysayers, the Brazilian-born striker was not suited to La Furia Roja's style of play and that his hot-headed approach would only do more harm than good to the overall team's philosophy.

Fast forward to Russia 2018 and Costa is finally answering his critics at the international stage in sumptuous fashion.

If the two well taken goals against Portugal in their opening game was an indication, then his precise finish to find the winner against Iran last night has well and truly put the argument to bed.

Costa is rightfully the matador who holds the mantle for Spain as they look to avenge the horrors of their last World Cup campaign, and he seemingly has no intention of backing off.