The first match of the Group B between Morocco and Iran ended in a dramatic way as Aziz Bouuhaddouz’s own goal in the last minute broke the heart of Morocco.
Iran side held their nerves and built the pressure until the last minute.
It ended all square at the break. Herve Renard’s side started the stronger of the two, threatening to blow away their opponents with nine shots in the opening. But Iran are unlucky not to be ahead after Moroccan keeper made a fantastic save to deny Sardar Azmoun.
It’s been a game of two halves in St Petersburg, where the second has been quite flat. A series of injuries and substitutions punctuating the play hasn’t helped. There seemed a distinct lack of urgency from two teams.
There was six minutes of added time. And that’s when, the drama began. The substitute Bouhaddou scored past his own own goalkeeper with a near post header. The ball was crossed, there was nobody in an Iran shirt near him. Only Bouhaddou knows why he sent a bullet header past his own goalkeeper.
Somehow, Carlos Queiroz’s side have won their first World Cup match since 1998. Their winner came deep into added time and was a gift. Morocco gifted Iran that winner long after their opponents had shut up shop and clearly settled for the draw.
Both sides will be sitting in their dressing rooms in a state of shocked disbelief. Morocco wondering how they lost a game they dominated for long periods. While, the Iranians will be wondering how they won a game in which they were dominated for long periods.
Iran win with only 32 percent possession. Herve Renard’s men see their 18-match unbeaten streak come to an end in heartbreaking circumstances. Disaster for Morocco and jubilation for Iran in matchday number one of Group B.
FT: Morocco 1-0 Iran
Aziz Bouhaddouz 90+4′ (OG)