Jordi Alba calls for positivity: Wait a bit before criticising Spain, please FIFA World Cup 2018 Spain sit top of Group B

Fernando Hierro's Spain side secured their first victory of the World Cup against Iran on Wednesday but were still subject to heavy criticism back home, leading to Jordi Alba encouraging people to wait before criticising La Roja.

Diego Costa's fortunate strike was the difference between the two teams in Kazan, taking the Atletico Madrid forward's tally for the competition to three, just one shy of Cristiano Ronaldo.

"You have to be positive in this life and wait a bit before criticising us, please," he explained in a press conference on Thursday.

"We have become accustomed to criticism in recent years, it's always like that. People always like to focus on the negatives rather than the positives."

Iran's style of play was widely criticised in the wake of the encounter, with Dani Carvajal accusing Carlos Queiroz's side of time wasting, yet Alba was less irritated.

"I saw in the first half they wasted more time than normal, but every side plays to their strengths," he admitted.

"They made the match very difficult for us. We respect every team and every style, whether we agree with it or not."

Hierro stepped into the breach when Julen Lopetegui was sensationally dismissed on the eve of the tournament, and the Barcelona left-back feels the changes hasn't impacted the squad.

"Fernando has fit in with the group very well," Alba confirmed.

"He's close to everyone and we're happy to be working with him. The ideas are the same as with Julen, the essence of the team remains the same."