Spain and Portugal emerged victorious in their respective matches on Monday night to lead Group B into the round of 16. Both matches ended in draw. Here are the main highlights of the two matches.
Spain Ties with Morocco and Wins Group B
Spain’s deciding match against Morocco ended in a 2-2 draw. Spain now leads Group B and will meet Russia in the round of 16.
Spain seemed to be in a weak position with Morocco in a 2-1 lead as the clock ticked past 90 minutes in Kaliningrad. Then everything turned, thanks to the World Cup’s contentious new innovation: the video assistant referee, or V.A.R.
First, a goal by Spain’s Iago Aspas in the 91st minute was initially disallowed by an offside call. But after a protracted V.A.R. review, it was ruled to be a goal after all, spurring frenzied celebrations on the Spanish bench. It got wilder still, as the V.A.R. delivered a penalty kick for Iran after a review in the 93rd minute against Portugal over in Saransk.
Iran hold Portugal to 1-1 draw
Though Portugal vs Iran match ended in a 1-1 draw on Monday, Portugal has made it to the round of 16 clash from Group B and will meet Uruguay from Group A.
The goal for Portugal came from Quaresma in the dying moments of the first half, while Ronaldo’s penalty was blocked by the Iranian keeper.
The clincher was when Ansarifard converted the penalty in the injury time to make it 1-1 for Iran.