Portugal survive late Iran scare to make last 16

Portugal survive late Iran scare to make last 16

Ronaldo missed a penalty before Iran got back into the game

Portugal survived a late scare to make the last 16 of the World Cup as they drew 1-1 with Iran. 

Ricardo Quaresma’s brilliant first half goal had them on track for three points, top spot and a meeting with hosts Russia in the next round. 

However, a late penalty scored by Karim Ansarifard, given  after Cedric Soares’ handball, had them on the ropes in stoppage time. 

Another Iran goal would have seen the European champions eliminated, but they held on to fight another day. 

There were few chances in the first half so it was no surprise that the opening goal came via a moment of magic. 

Former Barcelona winger Quaresma, now 34, took one sublime touch outside the box and then placed the ball in the top corner with the outside of his boot. 

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a chance to double Portugal’s lead after the break when his penalty was saved by Alireza Beiranvand. 

The Real Madrid man then almost saw red for lashing out at Morteza Pouraliganji, only for the referee to deem it was only worthy of a booking after going to VAR. 

VAR was needed again in the first of six minutes of stoppage time when Soares handled, with Ansarifard expertly converting the subsequent penalty. 

Iran were left with four minutes to score the goal which would have taken them through at the expense of Portugal — and top of the group, ahead of Spain — and came desperately close to doing so. 

Mehdi Taremi was presented with a golden chance in the 95th minute, but somehow missed the target as Portugal let out a massive sigh of relief. 

Before Iran’s leveller, Portugal were set to play Russia on Sunday, but that late goal, coupled with Spain’s equaliser against Morocco, means they will meet Uruguay on Saturday after finishing second in Group B.