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Match Report

Mehdi Taremi wasted a gilt-edged chance after Karim Ansarifard's penalty had thrown Iran a lifeline, but Portugal survived with a 1-1 draw to make the World Cup last 16 despite Cristiano Ronaldo's missed spot-kick in a match dominated by VAR.

The usually prolific Ronaldo was off target with a 53rd-minute penalty, awarded after a video-assisted review, as Portugal failed to build on Ricardo Quaresma's first-half stunner in the crucial Group B contest.

That miss from Ronaldo, who was perhaps fortunate not to see red for another VAR check after swinging an arm into the face of Morteza Pouraliganji, was punished when Cedric Soares was pinged for handball after referee Enrique Caceres again went to his video monitor.

Unlike Ronaldo, Ansarifard made no mistake with a powerful finish into the roof of the net to set up a grandstand finish in Saransk.

But Taremi fluffed his lines in the dying embers, firing into the side-netting from close range as Portugal held out for a crucial point.

It means the European champions are into the last 16 in second place, behind Spain – who themselves secured a dramatic 2-2 draw with Morocco – only on goals scored, while Iran settle for third with four points.

Live Updates

Goals/ Highlights

Karim Ansarifard scores from the spot! Could there be late drama!?

WOW! It's a stunning goal from Ricardo Quaresma (aka the gypsy) outside of the boot! Lovely stuff! 

Preview

Iran needs a victory against Portugal, to seal progression to the knockout phases for the first time in their history. Team Melli showed plenty of spirit despite losing 1-0 to Spain. Iran set up defensively frustrating La Roja, and could have come away with a famous draw had Saeid Ezatolahi’s goal not been chalked off for being offside thanks to VAR.

Mehdi Taremi has been one of Iran’s stand out players in the two group games and the Al Gharafa striker will have to play well if his country is to reach the round of 16. Stationed on the right wing of a five-man midfield, Taremi put in a disciplined performance against Spain working hard defensively whilst being a threat on the rare times they went on the attack. 

Iran Predicted Team
Beiranvand; Safi, Pouraliganji, Rezaeian, Hosseini; Ezatolahi, Amiri, Ebrahimi, Ansarifard, Taremi; Azmoun 

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TV Channel- MAX HD3
Kick-off- 21:00
Stadium Mordovia Arena, Saransk

As for Portugal, they just need one point to book their place in the round of sixteen. Portugal has Ronaldo to thank for their 1-0 victory over Morocco. The Real Madrid star came up with an important header early in the first half in what was otherwise a lacklustre performance against Morocco. 

Now, Portugal will face a real challenge in breaking down Iran who will be relishing trying to halt the 2016 European Champions. More interestingly, Iran is managed by Carlos Queiroz who took Portugal to the 2010 World Cup he will be well placed to know how to outplay Portugal in Saransk. 

As ever, Ronaldo will be the man to watch for Portugal against Iran. The Real Madrid man is now just behind Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot with four goals. A few more goals against Iran would push Ronaldo into the lead and bolster the already sky-high confidence of the player ahead of a potential round of sixteen game against Uruguay or Russia. 

Portugal Predicted Team

Patricio; Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro; Soares, Carvalho, Moutinho, Silva, Mario; Guedes, Ronaldo

It promises to an Interesting contest as Iran look to book their place in the round of sixteen for the first time in their history take on Portugal in Saransk. Watch the Live & Exclusive stream of the game on MAX HD3 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.