Iran secured a stunning late 1-0 World Cup win over Morocco after being forced onto the back foot for much of their Group G clash in Saint Petersburg.
After Morocco missed a host of chances, Aziz Bouhaddouz scored an own goal in injury time to hand Iran their first World Cup finals win since 1998.
Morocco, playing their first World Cup game in 20 years, started very brightly, most notably with back-to-back efforts from star man Younes Belhanda and Mehdi Benatia.
Iran held on, standing firm amid frantic goalmouth scrambles, and slowly grew into the game as half-time approached.
Sardar Azmoun was played through on goal in the best chance for Iran but a combination of a poor touch and backtracking defenders meant goalkeeper Monir El Kajoui was able to save.The level of quality declined further after the break with just two shots on target between the teams for the entire 45 minutes.
There was slight concern for Nordin Amrabat, who looked very lively on the flank but collided with an Iranian defender to end his game. Looking dazed, and likely concussed, he was substituted with 15 minutes to play.Sensing the game getting away from them, Belhanda finally gets his foot on the ball to pick out Hakim Ziyech but Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand tips a fierce shot around his post – and Bouhaddouz then headed a free-kick into his own net to gift Iran an unlikely win.
