Just when the spectators at the stadium thought that they are going to witness first drawn game of the World Cup, Moroccan defender Bouhaddouz perfectly headed the ball into his own net at the near post in the dying moment of the second half. Thus, it gave Iran only their second victory in the World Cup history, after they won against the USA at France 1998. It is also the second victory for any Asian team in the World Cup since Japan defeated Denmark back in 2010.
Morocco will be bitterly disappointed with the result, as they have dominated most part of the match. Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand pulled out a couple of fantastic saves, that kept Iran in the contest. Morocco missed several chances in the first half, they could have taken the lead before the lemon break. But lack of finishing ability in front of the goal cost them dearly in the end.
Iran, on the other hand, played with their familiar style. They defended doggedly and banked on the counters. Neither of these two teams would have been happy with a draw, they are placed with Spain and Portugal in the same group. Iran's coach Carlos Queiroz rightfully said his team had been "drawn in the hardest group in the World Cup".
Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat fouled Saman Ghoddos needlessly as he conceded free kick near the sideline. That gave Iran's Ehsan Haji Safi the opportunity to whip in the free-kick, and Bouhaddouz could only steer the ball into his own net for an unlikely Iran victory. Spain and Portugal are favourite to qualify from Group B. But after this victory, Iran will be quietly confident to surprise either of them.
Final Score:
Iran 1 (Bouhaddouz ,90+5 OG) - Morocco 0
