SHAFAQNA – Aziz Bouhaddouz heads into his own net deep into stoppage time and IR Iran claim huge last-gasp three points.
Forthe second time on Friday, a last-minute goal has transformed the state of a group at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, and cut down a North African side. While it was Uruguay in the earlier encounter, a heartbreaking own goal sunk Morocco in IR Iran’s favour for a 1-0 win.
Morocco flew out of the traps in Saint Petersburg, carving out some sensational chances, but Iran easily could have gone in ahead at the break. By contrast, the second-half hardly had a opening worthy of note, until deep in stoppage time when Aziz Bouhaddouz headed into his own net.
Iran made it. A second ever win at a World Cup. Team Melli found itself still in the game come the closing stages after being under pressure in the opening minutes. They hit Morocco on the counter-attack at certain points, but to score the crucial goal they had to wait until the final seconds of stoppage time. That own goal leaves Iran hopeful and eager for their upcoming fixtures, but they still need at least a point to have a chance at qualifying.
What’s next
Morocco v Portugal – Group B, 20 June, Moscow (Luzhniki)
Iran v Spain – Group B, 20 June, Kazan