Iran player ratings as Mehdi Taremi misses shot to make history after fatal Portugal draw

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  • Iran came up just short in their quest to make World Cup 2018’s round of 16 with a scrappy 1-1 draw against Portugal in Group B.

    Team Melli needed victory to make the knockouts for the first time and came close to achieving it at Mordovia Arena.

    Ricardo Quaresma, 34, produced a trademark curled ‘trivela’ strike on the stroke of half-time to hand Portugal the lead in this feisty contest.

    Cristiano Ronaldo endured a mixed night with the Video Assistant Referee. He saw a spot-kick saved after being belatedly awarded it for a foul by centre-back Morteza Pouraliganji, before later receiving a yellow card after apparently striking the same opponent.

    VAR then punished Portugal right-back Cedric Soares for a handball. Karim Ansarifard’s subsequent 93rd-minute penalty gave hope, only for Mehdi Taremi’s frustrating blast into the side netting to snub it out.

    The result saw Portugal finish second behind Spain in their pool. They’ll now meet Group A-winners Uruguay.

    Here are our Iran ratings:

    IRAN (4-1-4-1)

    Alireza Beiranvand – 7: Was all at sea in the opening stages, almost gifting Portugal an opener. Made up for this with Ronaldo penalty save.

    Ramin Rezaeian – 7: Made it an uncomfortable evening for Internazionale-owned midfielder Joao Mario. Has performed well throughout the World Cup.

    Morteza Pouraliganji – 6: Had a pitch battle throughout the evening with Ronaldo. Did well for most of game, but gave away penalty for clumsy barge.

    Majid Hosseini – 7: Another Iran defender who can feel proud of his efforts keeping the legendary Ronaldo quiet at Mordovia Arena.

    Ehsan Hajsafi – 5: For such an experienced defender, he played on the verge of losing his composure. Not good enough for this type of match.

    Saeid Ezatolahi – 7: Enjoyed a pitch battle with Carvalho to gain influence in the middle of the park. Central to Iran’s impressive defensive shape.

    Alireza Jahanbakhsh – 5: His wonderful domestic form for AZ Alkmaar has not been replicated at World Cup 2018. Taken off pretty early.

    Omid Ebrahimi – 7: Dropped back into the holding role when Ezatolahi was sacrificed for goalscorer Ansarifard. Made a positive impact in that position.

    Vahid Amiri – 6: The Persepolis winger was more of a presence defensively, than offensively. Symbolises head coach Carlos Queiroz’s warrior spirit.

    Mehdi Taremi – 5: Chance to make history dropped at the striker’s feet in the final throes, but he hit the side netting. A critical error.

    Sardar Azmoun – 6: Was unable to notch in all three pool matches. But he kept Portugal’s season defenders busy and won penalty with headed knockdown.

    SUBS

    Milad Mohammadi – 6: There were no ridiculous failed throw-in attempts from the full-back this time.

    Saman Ghoddos – 6: Made one poor cross in the final moments. Not what Queiroz required.

    Karim Ansarifard – 6: Held his nerve in clutch moment and emphatically converted spot-kick.

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