Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Saransk: Karim Ansarifard's penalty in added time secured a battling Islamic Republic of Iran a 1-1 draw with Portugal on Monday but it was not enough for Team Melli to advance to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before Portugal conceded an injury-time spot-kick as the European champions set up a last-16 clash with Uruguay.
Ricardo Quaresma curled in a trademark trivela goal on the stroke of half-time at the Mordovia Arena, but Ansarifard's late penalty dropped Portugal to second in Group B behind Spain.
Ronaldo won a second-half spot-kick after a video review but saw his effort saved, with the Real Madrid star unable to add to his four-goal tally at the tournament.
Portugal will face Uruguay in Sochi on July 30 for a place in the quarter-finals after ending IR Iran's hopes of reaching the knockout phase for the first time.
Ronaldo, scorer of all four Portugal goals in his country's first two games, forced IR Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand into an early save after barging his way into the box.
Joao Mario should have put Portugal in front after a defensive mix-up between Saeid Ezatolahi and Beiranvand, but the Inter Milan midfielder blazed over.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/portugal-iran_-_fifa_2.html
www.the-afc.com/en/national/fifa_world_cup/photo/album_-_fwc2018_group_b_ir_iran_v_portugal.html
#ALBUM - FWC2018 Group B: IR Iran v Portugal