Iran have stolen a vital last-second win, and only their second win in World Cup history, after a 95th-minute own goal by Moroccan defender Aziz Bouhaddouz gave the Asian nation an amazing first up victory.
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The final result finishing in favour of the Iranians, 1-nil.
The St Petersburg Stadium was on fire in the first half, as a rampant Morocco attacked at will, but were unable to breakdown a defence that had not conceded a world cup qualification goal in over ten matches.
Morocco held the ball with ease at times, and moved the ball with lightning pace on both flanks, as they attacked Iran as hard as they could muster. Nourredine Amrabat in particular was a menace for Iran, as he charged the right wing, getting the ball continuously into dangerous areas.
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In the 19th minute, Morocco had their best chance of the half, as a goal mouth scramble saw Iranian keeper Ali Beiranvand make a reflex save, before his defence came to his assistance to maintain Iran’s clean sheet. This would prove to be something of a turning point for Morocco, who shortly after ran out of puff.
Once the Morocco pressure was relieved, Iran had their own chances in the first half, to the point that Iran should have taken the lead, when on the counter, Iran drew the double save from the Moroccan keeper, and a pulsating first half finished nil-all, but a high expectation of more.
That expectation was never met in the second half, as both teams seemingly accepted the fate of taking a point away from the game, and while Morocco had the lions’ share of possession (over 60 per cent), they could not make it work in their favour, the best chance of the half falling to Hakim Ziyach, who rocketed a shot from outside the area, demanding a great save from Beiranvand.
Morocco would regret their missed chances.
Instead, it would be heartbreak for the African nation, as unlucky defender Aziz Bouhaddouz headed a last minute free kick into his own net, to give Iran the win. So late was the goal, there was only time to re-start, and kick the ball to the Iran keeper, before the referee blew full-time.
An interesting affair in St Petersburg, and a game of two halves. While Iran statistically were the inferior team, they have shown the age-old adage continues to ring true, in that the only statistic that matters is the scoreboard, and on this occasion, Iran have the statistic that matters: a goal.
With both teams to face off against powerhouses Spain and Portugal, Morocco will face an uphill battle to get to the knockout stage, while Iran will hope to ride their luck into the last 16.
ak
Roar Guru
I remember the North Korean squad was made to undergo a public humiliation after one World Cup. Don't remember which World Cup but it did happen. I think 2010 world cup. Earlier generations have been subjected much harsher punishments.
Waz
Roar Rookie
All possible but really, Spain and Portugal to breeze through this group.
Waz
Roar Rookie
err no, Bert van Marwijk got them to the World Cup but he was fired shortly after the last qualifying game.
MQ
Guest
Arab punishment can appear severe to Western eyes, in particular, for the one position on the field relying on his hands.
Lionheart
Guest
rotating coaches, three including Bert VM, can't have helped
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
It appears the Saudi FA are keen to punish the players and lay the blame there (especially the goal keeper, who was hardly the one at fault for the goals). https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/fifa-world-cup/saudis-to-hold-players-accountable-for-world-cup-drubbing/articleshow/64604667.cms I am sure that such comments are going to do little to bolster the confidence of the squad in their remaining two matches. This could get ugly.
MQ
Guest
I was just checking the draw. Iran play Portugal next, if they can get a draw out of that game, which is doable, then that would put pressure on Portugal in its last game against Morocco to get the win. I don't think Iran will hold out Portugal for the whole 90 minutes, but it's not impossible. And if by some miracle Morocco draw with Spain....
me too
Guest
That's football, and that's what happens when a team knows its limitations but plays according to them and does their job. well done iran. need to do it all again as the drawn game plays into the hands of the top seeds, so even a draw against one of them probably won't get iran through now.
MQ
Guest
That's one of the very best diving headers you will ever see.
BrainsTrust
Guest
Their team management were the ones who got them to the world cup. They had a perfect record against Iraq and Thailand, two teams that can be influenced off the field.
lunchboxexpert
Guest
Great result for the Asian Football Confederation, and a result that might embarass Saudi Arabia into getting the Princes (and others who shouldn't be involved) out of its team management, so the Saudi Arabian Manager can actually manage their team properly.