World Cup Group B, Saint Petersburg Stadium - Morocco 0 Iran 1 (Bouhaddouz OG 90+5')
A bullet header from Aziz Bouhaddouz, in the wrong end, gave Iran a dramatic victory over Morocco in the 95th minute - and their first win at the World Cup since 1998.
Morocco dominated the majority of proceedings as expected and they had a great chance early on when there was some chaotic pinball in the box but somehow the ball stayed out.
However Iran were dangerous on the counter and Morocco keeper Munir Mohand Mohamedi had to be alert to make a smart double save to keep the score at 0-0.
Late on in the second-half Iran's Alireza Beiranvand got down well to tip away a fierce effort from Hakim Ziyech whilst there was an injury worry when Nordin Amrabat suffered a nasty head injury and had to be taken off.
Just as the game looked to be filtering out to a draw a corner was swung in and Bouhaddouz powered a header past his own goalkeeper to the delight of Iran fans and hand the nation only their second-ever win at the World Cup finals.
TALKING POINT
No sleepless nights for Spain, Portugal
Iran put slight pressure on Spain and Portugal by taking the three points, but in reality, it’s a dream scenario for the two European heavyweights in Group B, given that all the talk before kick-off was how Morocco could really threaten to upset the world order. However, they faded all too quickly, and paid the price late on. They’ll have to produce a mighty shock now to even pick up a point.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Ehsan Hajsafi (Iran) - A difficult decision from what was ultimately a turgid affair. However, credit must go to Iran’s defence, as they silenced Morocco - particularly in the second half - and came out with a memorable win.
Hajsafi gets the nod as not only did help his side to a clean sheet after dealing with Nordin Amrabat all day out wide, but he sent the cross in that led to the calamitous own goal.
PLAYER RATINGS
Morocco: Munir 6, Amrabat 6, Benatia 6, Saïss 6, Achraf 5, El Ahmadi 5, Belhanda 5, Harit 6, Boussoufa 5, Ziyech 6, El Kaabi 6. Subs: S. Amrabat 5, Bouhaddouz 3, Da Costa N/A.
Iran: Beiranvand 7, Rezaeian 6, Pouraliganji 6, Cheshmi 7, Hajsafi 7, Ebrahimi 6, Masoud 6, Jahanbakhsh 6, Ansarifard 6, Amiri 6, Azmoun 6. Subs: Taremi 6, Montazeri 6, Ghoddos 6.
KEY MOMENTS
20’ - BIG CHANCE! How have Morocco not scored?! It's pinball in the Iran box, and it's Belhanda who sees his shot blocked before Beiranvand who gets down well to deny Benatia before it's cleared for a corner.
31’ - SAVE! Nice play from Harit, who receives the ball from Achraf before darting into the area, but his curled, low effort is wall saved by Beiranvand.
43’ - SAVE! Messi he is not!! Azmoun is played through on goal... He hesitates a little and takes the ball a tad too wide, and he's off balance as he strikes low on goal, with Munir getting down to keep it out.
81’ - SAVE! The Morocco fans reawaken as their side finally come close in this second half. It falls for Ziyech on the edge of the area, but Beiranvand flies to his right to tip the effort away.
90’ - GOAAAAAAALLLL! In the fifth minute of added time. And I think it's an own goal!!!
