Iran prove tough nut to crack, but Portugal clinch 1-1 draw to reach round of 16

The decision on that occasion was awarded retrospectively with the help of VAR and the technology was used again in the closing stages of the encounter to hand Iran a lifeline.

Cedric Soares was penalised for hand ball from a Sardar Azmoun header inside the area and Karim Ansarifard duly dispatched the effort from 12 yard to draw his side level in stoppage time.

It was too little too late for the Asian powerhouse though, as they were knocked out of the World Cup.

IRAN A TOUGH NUT TO CRACK

Iran conceded just two goals during World Cup qualifying and were touted as one of the best defensive units headed to the tournament.

Given the way they’ve performed in Russia, it’s easy to see why. Having kept a lively Morocco side at bay in their opening fixture, they frustrated Spain for the most part in a 1-0 defeat.

Portugal were the latest to attempt to wear down their stubborn resistance on Monday night and for most of the first half, it looked as if Ronaldo and Co wouldn’t be able to pick this particular lock.

Carlos Queiroz has been in charge of Team Melli for seven years now and his influence is evident. His side was incredibly organised again at Mordovia Arena.

Portugal – the team he last led from 2008-10 – normally pose a potent counter-attacking threat but every time they looked to break on the night, Iran got back swiftly and impressively retained their shape.

It was always going to take something special to break Iran’s resilience. Ronaldo tried to beat Alireza Beiranvand from about 40 yards out with a venomous strike that the keeper held on to.

Then it was Quaresma’s turn to attempt the audacious and it paid off. His sublime outside-of-the-boot strike from the edge of the area after a slick one-two with Adrien Silva was an effort worthy of breaching Iran’s goal.

PORTUGAL’S DEFENSIVE STALWARTS

One of the main concerns for Portugal heading into this tournament was their personnel at centre-back.

Pepe, while an experienced campaigner, was deemed well past his best at the ripe old age of 35. Meanwhile, the fact that he’s partnered by a 34-year-old in Jose Fonte only fed the Portuguese support’s trepidation.

However, the duo has been impressive for the Selecao. Apart from a frenetic encounter against Spain that ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, both centre-backs have been rock solid, maintaining a clean sheet against Morocco and only conceding via a contentious penalty against Iran.

A mobile and physically imposing striker in Sadar Azmoun kept Pepe and Fonte on their toes but between the two of them, they were able to cope with the 23-year-old Iranian. This was noticeable against Iran’s aerial threat, Pepe winning nine of those duels and Fonte six.

With Iran pushing forward in their quest to remain in the tournament, the duo had to make several clearances to see the game out and book their side’s place in the round of 16.

VAR DOESN’T END DEBATE

We’re 36 games into the 2018 edition of the World Cup and already its yielded a whopping 20 penalties. Even before the group stages have concluded, that’s already set a new record for the most penalties at a World Cup with the previous highest (18) coming from the 2002 edition while the tournament in Brazil four years ago saw only 13 awarded.

By and large, the technology has proved to be a success although the stoppages that can incur sometimes seem unnecessary. However, given the nature of the game, there are still plenty of grey areas.

Ronaldo’s booking for one was a dubious decision after the referee reviewed it on the screen when the Portugal skipper didn’t seem to catch Morteza Pouraliganji in the face like the defender made out.

Meanwhile, Soares’ handball decision was on the harsh side as well with the right-back seemingly incapable of avoiding it as he competed for a header.