Dramatic Morocco win triggers celebration in Iran
June 16, 2018 - An injury-time own goal was enough for Iran to beat Morocco 1-0 in their Group B opener at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Saint Petersburg Stadium on Friday, giving the Iranians only their second victory in the history of finals.
Iran had to put in a firm defensive display against the African opposition which started right on the front foot and enjoyed the majority of the ball possession in a nail-biting first half.
However, the best chance of the half came Iran’s way right before the interval when Rubin Kazan striker Sardar Azmoun found himself behind the Morocco’s backline but saw his effort saved by Moroccan keeper Munir Mohamedi who then kept out Alireza Jahanbaksh’s return shot.
In a second half that chances were few and far between the best opportunity fell to Hakim Ziyech who was denied by Iran’s goal keeper Alireza Beiranvand who made a heroic save against Ziyech’s shot from outside the penalty area.
As both sides were heading for a goalless draw, Ehsan Hajsafi’s free-kick in the 95th minute was met by the Moroccan substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz in the six-yard box who headed the ball into the back of his own net as Iran won a World Cup game after 20 years, having last beaten USA 2-1 in France 98.
In a group where Spain and Portugal are strong favorites to qualify for the knockout stage, the result gave Iran an outside chance of an upset.
The victory put Iran on top of the group as the two European giants were held to a draw in a six-goal thriller in other game of the group.
‘Beautiful victory’
Iran’s coach Carlos Queiroz hailed a "beautiful" World Cup win for Iran.
"After so many years in this business, the first game of a World Cup is always difficult and tough and this was no different – but it was also beautiful," said Iran coach Queiroz.
"We started very carefully and I'm sure they studied the Iranian team. We knew they have a very strong and powerful start to the game – always with full speed and a great attacking spirit.
"Our strategy was, from the first minute, to create a mental collapse in the Moroccan players, we try to do that by creating frustration and block all the playmakers and the players who can create something."
Portuguese Queiroz takes Iran to Kazan to face Spain next time out and admits a different approach will be required.
"Since we were able to create panic in their defensive line the game changed," he said.
"The players for Morocco knew we could win the game and that changed everything in the last minutes.
"It was a beautiful win, three points, and now it is time to rest and think about the game against Spain. Against Spain, everyone from the goalkeeper to the striker can create things so we have to think of a different strategy."
Defeat for Morocco means the African side has it all to do to go beyond the group stages – but coach Herve Renard is not ready to throw in the towel.
"In a competition where three matches need to be played, as long as there are still two matches to be played, whoever the opponents, there is still hope," he said.
"When one starts the competition with no points, we are in a difficult situation but many things can happen so we need to concentrate on what we did right and things we did not do so well."
Street celebrations
Iranians poured into the streets to celebrate their country’s win right after the final whistle was blown in St. Petersburg.
Many sang and danced or could be heard lighting firecrackers and honking horns around the capital of Tehran and other cities, AP reported.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif praised the team players for displaying "determination and dignity."
State television repeatedly broadcast national songs and showed replays and highlights of the game.