MOSCOW – Iran national football team defender Morteza Pouraliganji has revealed that Spain striker Diego Costa insulted his family members in their match in Group B of the 2018 World Cup.

La Roja defeated spirited Iran 1-0 thanks to a goal from Costa at the Kazan Arena on Wednesday.

Now, the Iranian defender slammed Costa for foul language during the match.

“He looked at me and insulted my mother and my sister,” Pouraliganji said.

“Costa started insulting me after 10 minutes. He wanted to make me angry but I kept my cool,” he added.

“I don’t know why he was selected as the Man of the Match because he touched the ball just for five times and accidentally scored a goal,” Pouraliganji stated.

Iran will play Portugal on Monday in Saransk and a win over the UEFA champions will see Team Melli into the round of 16.

“We will do our best to beat Portugal but we have to see what happens,” he concluded.

Reporting by Masoud Hossein