Spain and Portugal unconvincing but gain progress
Spain are Group winners scraping a draw against Morocco
Ronaldo misses a penalty as Portugal draw against Iran
Spain are Group winners scraping a draw against Morocco
Ronaldo misses a penalty as Portugal draw against Iran
Group B
30th June
Uruguay Vs Portugal
1st July
Spain Vs Russia
After a crazy Matchday 3, Group B has now been settled in unconvincing fashion for both teams who have progressed into the last-16.
It was Spain and Portugal who were rotating places in the Group after both Morocco and Iran gave their opponents a run for their money.
Spain who eventually finished as Group winners, courtesy of that last minute equalizer by Iago Aspas will now face Russia, who finished second in Group A.
Portugal was lucky to leave the game with a draw and with 11-men on the field against a resilient Iran who fought hard but were unlucky and will now face Group A winners Uruguay.
Spain and Portugal didn't dominate in any of their games except when the two faced each other. Now, they will have to start fresh and put all other results in the past if they wish to have any chance of making it to the finals.
Iran and Morocco showed great heart and determination in their final encounter in their campaign and their fans would be proud of their efforts.
Matchday 3
Spain Vs Morocco
Isco 19'
Aspas 90+1'
Boutaib 14'
En-Nesyri 81'
Match Highlights
Iran Vs Portugal
Ansaifard 90+3' (P)
Quaresma 45'
Match Highlights
Matchday 2
Portugal Vs Morocco
Isco 19'
Aspas 90+1'
Boutaib 14'
En-Nesyri 81'
An unconvincing Spain had to rely on a late Iago Aspas goal in second-half injury time as Morocco put in a brilliant performance in their final World Cup game, securing a 2-2 draw and their first point.
Spain conceded the opening goal after possession was given away surprisingly by Andres Iniesta, allowing Khalid Boutaib to have a free run and score his side's first goal of the tournament.
But, Iniesta made up for that error with a brilliant one-touch play with his teammates and put in the perfect cross for Isco who rifled in the equalizer.
Spanish defender Gerard Pique was lucky not to see red after a dangerous two-footed challenge on Boutaib.
The second half saw both sides push for the lead with Morocco getting the best chance through Nordin Amrabat who's vicious shot rifled the crossbar. But, their determination was rewarded as Youssef En-Nesyri scored a perfect header past David De Gea.
Late drama was still to come, as Spain got a corner and took it early and Aspas turned in the cross brilliantly, which was initially ruled out by the referee but a VAR decision made the goal stand resulting with Spain finishing as Group winners.
Ansaifard 90+3' (P)
Quaresma 45'
Portugal who could have finished as Group B winners were held to a draw against Iran after Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty was saved by the Iran goalkeeper.
Iran needed a win to qualify for the last-16, fell behind just before half-time as Ricardo Quaresma who started his first game of the competition scored a sensational goal from long-range.
Ricardo Quaresma's wonder strike
Portugal was handed the advantage in the second half after Ronaldo won a penalty. But, he failed to convert it after Iranian goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand had a memorable night, saving the Portugal captain's spot-kick.
Ronaldo was also lucky to still be on the pitch after he attempted to allegedly elbow an Iranian defender, but a VAR call enabled him to escape with a yellow card.
Late drama was still in store after Portuguese defender Cedric Soares attempted to handle the ball in the box and another VAR call resulted in Iran getting a late penalty, which was decisively scored by substitute Ansaifard.
However, it wasn't enough as Iran was left heartbroken after the final whistle, but that late goal also assured that Portugal's progress but failure to win the group.
Matchday 2
Portugal Vs Morocco
Ronaldo 4'
Match Highlights
Cristiano Ronaldo made history yet again by becoming the highest international goalscorer in Europe of all-time as the Portuguese captain registered his 4th goal of the tournament following a sublime hat-trick against Spain.
The Real Madrid striker took just four minutes as he put his side ahead with a low headed goal from Joao Moutinho's cross, striking an early stinger into Morocco.
Portugal took control of the entire game and gave Morocco almost no chance to even impose a threat onto their goal. This loss was Morocco's second of the tournament which ultimately meant elimination.
Ronaldo has been Portugal brightest spark since the start of the tournament but the team had to rely on his goals to earn them the points. If Portugal wishes to win the competition, the other 10-men too need to perform at their very best every game they feature in.
Iran Vs Spain
Costa 54'
Match Highlights
Iran was left heartbroken after giving Spain a run for their money but their valiant effort ended in a narrow defeat which dethroned them as leaders of Group B.
The Iranian defense kept Spain's attack compact for a large part of the game which Spain managed to register 18 shots along with enjoying 78% ball possession, but the defense stood guard.
But, it was a moment of magic by Diego Costa that finally broke the deadlock. He produced a brilliant touch and turn in the box and saw his shot ricocheted last off him, handing Spain the lead.
But, Iran did have a say in the game by showing an added intensity and thought they had equilized after the ball had gone into the back of the net, only for VAR to rule it off-side.
Spain had to work hard to get the job done and based on this performance will not be considered as the competition's favorites. They need to win against Morocco in their next match to ensure qualification.
As for Iran, they too are far from being eliminated at this stage. If they somehow manage to win against Portugal in their next game, they will qualify irrespective of results elsewhere.
Matchday 1
Portugal Vs Spain
Scorer(s)
Ronaldo 4' (pen), 44', 88'
Costa 24', 55'
Nacho 58'
Cristiano Ronaldo showed his class once again after putting in one of the greatest World Cup performances in history with a stunning hat-trick to draw 3-3 against former Champions Spain.
Prior to kick-off, the shock departure of Julen Lopetegui, two days before the tournament began did question the mentality of the Spaniards and new manager Fernando Hierro.
Within the opening 4 minutes itself, Spain couldn't handle the Portuguese attack leading Nacho to bring down Ronaldo in the box and the resulting penalty was converted by the Portuguese captain, becoming the first ever Portuguese player to score in four consecutive World Cups.
Spain responded in the 24th minute as Diego Costa beat off four Portuguese defenders to slam home the equalizer with his first ever shot on target in a World Cup.
But, Ronaldo responded just before half-time as David De Gea horribly misjudged his low-shot after it slipped through the Spanish goalkeeper's gloves.
In the second half, Spain was the dominant side, scoring two goals in three minutes. Costa scored the equalizer and his second of the night.
Minutes later, Nacho who had given away the penalty earlier made up for it in stunning fashion with a superb long ranger, handing Spain the lead for the first time in the match.
But, Ronaldo had to have the final say in the game as he scored a delightful free-kick, registering his 51st career hat-trick in the 88th minute; somewhat similar range to his free-kick against Portsmouth as a Manchester United player.
But, Ronaldo responded just before half-time as David De Gea horribly misjudged his low-shot after it slipped through the Spanish goalkeeper's gloves.
In the second half, Spain was the dominant side, scoring two goals in three minutes. Costa scored the equalizer and his second of the night.
Minutes later, Nacho who had given away the penalty earlier made up for it in stunning fashion with a superb long ranger, handing Spain the lead for the first time in the match.
But, Ronaldo had to have the final say in the game as he scored a delightful free-kick, registering his 51st career hat-trick in the 88th minute; somewhat similar range to his free-kick against Portsmouth as a Manchester United player.
Cristiano Ronaldo had 4 shots on goal and scored 3 goals, kept it simple by proving that he's still got it even at the age of 33. He is now the oldest ever player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup.
Match Highlights
Morocco Vs Iran
Scorer(s)
Bouhaddouz 90+5'
Iran witnessed a historic day in the FIFA World Cup as they registered their first win in 20 years in the competition, courtesy of a late OG.
Heading into this fixture, Morocco looked the stronger of the two sides on paper with big-game players including Hakim Ziyech, Younes Belhanda, and Mehdi Benatia but all were kept at bay by the Iranian goalkeeper.
Iran had the best chance in the game through their talented youngster Sardar Azmoun but failed to show the killer composure in front of goal.
Just as the game was coming to a close, Morocco substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz was the unfortunate player on the wrong end to score the goal that handed Iran the victory and top spot in Group B.
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