Group B featured Iran v Portugal and Spain v Morocco. As always, played simultaneously.
First Halves
Portugal started on the attack early as Cristiano Ronaldo tried to shoot on goal without any luck. They took care of ball possession during the first minutes of the match. Nonetheless, Iran had good chances when they got the ball as they were smooth in transition.
The Iranian defense started showing off some occasional problems as the game moved along. Alireza Beiranvand got confused with his defensive line, barely avoiding trouble.
Portugal started a succession of attacks from that pint on as the Portuguese tried to break trough an extremely organized defense.
Meanwhile..
Morocco scored, stunning Spain with an early goal. Khalid Boutaib gave Morocco the lead off a Spanish mistake on transition. It was only the 14th minute and Spain down by one.
The steal, the breakaway, the finish. Khalid Boutaib's goal to give #MAR a brief lead over #ESP.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/Dm3wrKSKIn
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 25, 2018
Morocco’s lead was brief as Isco got that last goal right back aided by marvelous team play. The score was now even 1-1.
Isco's goal to level the score between #ESP and #MAR.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWCpic.twitter.com/EZGtKdnU3x
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 25, 2018
Portugal Broke Trough
Iran was causing some struggles on Portugal’s defense by the 30th minute. Set pieces proved to be powerful weapons for the Iran XI. Nonetheless, the Europeans were about strike when it was not expected.
Ricardo Quaresma found the back of the net from outside the box to give Portugal the lead right before the half leveling up the score. It was a fantastic touch for a fantastic goal.
QUA 👏 RES 👏MA 👏#WorldCup #TheAOSNWCpic.twitter.com/si5dSTkOEF
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 25, 2018
At the end of their respective first halves both games promised even more excitement as Portugal had a one goal lead and Spain was tied with Morocco.
Second Halves
Ronaldo was taken down inside the box early into the second half. VAR took its time to confirm it but it was a penalty kick for Portugal nonetheless.
Portugal had no luck as CR7 missed the PK on an outstanding save by Iran’s goalkeeper. Portugal was holding on to the lead.
Carlos Queiroz was sent off the sidelines minutes later.
On the Spanish side of things, Morocco was really coming close to score, putting on the pressure on Spain. Whenever La Roja had a chance, the Moroccan defense was able to take care of things.
The Frenetic Finish
Both scores remained intact as they were both very tight games. The story would change for the last 10 minutes of both games.
Ronaldo threw what can only be described as a “cheapshot”, elbowing an Iranian player from the back. Luckily for Portugal, the Real Madrid forward only got booked with a yellow card.
Meanwhile, Youssef En Nesyri gave Iran the 2-1 lead off a very well stroke corner at the 80th minute.
Youssef En-Nesyri with the goal to put #MAR ahead and shock #ESP.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/5IrRFyubRe
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 25, 2018
VAR later took the center stage, as it was crucial to the final results of both games.
Iago Aspas scored the late final goal of the Spain-Morocco match on an apparent offside that VAR later denied. Aspas gave Spain the tie, 2-2.
Aspas with the great touch for #ESP. Stoppage time goal to tie things up with #MAR.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/Rliez54xx4
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 25, 2018
Karim Ansarifard converted on a penalty granted by the Video Assisted Referee. Iran tied with Portugal, one goal a piece.
#IRN's late equalizer from the penalty spot.#WorldCup #TheAOSNWC pic.twitter.com/HztMLwxvLR
— The AOSN FC (@TheAOSNFC) June 25, 2018
With the victory, Spain took the top spot in Group B.
Spain and Portugal are now into the knockout stage after claiming the first two spots in Group B. Portugal will clash with Uruguay and Spain will face the host nation Russia.
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