Carvajal returns for Spain, as Queiroz drops captain Shojaei

Euronews – KAZAN, Spain defender Dani Carvajal has been recalled for Wednesday’s World Cup match against Iran, replacing Nacho from the starting side that drew with Portugal, after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Fernando Hierro has also included forward Lucas Vazquez, with Koke making way as Spain’s new coach seeks more dynamism to unlock a cagey Iran defence at Kazan Arena.

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz dropped captain Masoud Shojaei to the substitutes in a mild surprise, with the suspended Saeid Ezatolahi recalled and Ehsan Hajsafi to wear the captain’s arm-band.

Defender Majid Hosseini replaces the injured centre back Rouzbeh Cheshmi as Iran seek a second successive win after their 1-0 victory over Morocco.