Iran had a tournament to remember, topping its group with nine points (beating Germany 4-0 in the process) and reaching the quarter-final stage, where it bowed out to Spain, who has since reached the final.

Arguably its finest performer was midfield wonder Younes Delfi, who netted two of the four goals against Germany and won a penalty against Costa Rica.

He was absent for the quarter-final tussle with Spain; would it have been a different story were he available?

Spain will face England in the final match on Saturday while Mali play Brazil in third-placed match.