Portugal reach W’Cup knockout despite Ronaldo’s missed penalty against Iran

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in a 1-1 draw against Iran but Portugal went on to seal their place in the knockout stage of the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup.

With the draw, the European champions finished as runners-up of Group B behind spain who also drew 2-2 with Morocco.

Ricardo Quaresma sored a sensational goal at the end of the first half to put Portugal in front.

In a game filled with several video replays, Portugal’s penalty, awarded by the VAR, was eventually saved by Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand who dived to his left to deny Ronaldo.

Read Also: Morocco leave 2018 World Cup with hard-fought draw against Spain

Ronaldo was later shown a yellow card after a lengthy VAR review for a possible red card.

Leading 1-0, Portugal thought they were heading for a win which could have placed them at the top of the group with 7 points, but Iran equalised via a late penalty.

The penalty was given after another video review in injury time, and Ansarifard converted it to lift their hopes.

Iran continued to push and could have snatched a winner afterwards which would have seen them through at Portugal’s expense. But Portugal held on to the point.

As runners-up of Group B, Portugal will face Uruguay in the last 16 on Saturday, while winners Spain will battle Group A runners-up Russia.

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