Morocco already out, Iran need a win, Portugal and Spain both need a draw but if both win or both draw it will come down to goal difference or disciplinary records (or even the drawing of lots) to decide the group winners, and the winners will meet Russia rather than Uruguay. BBC decide to switch the Portugal game to be the main one, presumably on the basis that both teams can qualify, with Spain relegated to BBC4 where coverage didn’t start until seconds before kick-off. And they managed a full thirty minutes of build-up on BBC1 without one mention of England. See, it can be done.
Ronaldo had a shot on target after just three minutes, the ‘keeper made a good save although he looked shaky at other times. Iran had a free-kick in a promising position which allowed Mark Lawrenson to tell us “England have been the best team at set-pieces”. Yeah, against the mighty defences of Tunisia and feckin Panama. Not the best game, but lit up by an excellent goal just before the break from Quaresma as he curled in with the outside of his foot from outside the box. Surprising to hear that this is his first start at any World Cup.
Portugal awarded a VARPEN but Ronaldo unusually missed partly because the ‘keeper was two yards off his line. Lawrenson thought it wasn’t a penalty because Ronaldo didn’t have control of the ball. Which is completely irrelevant. The Iranian dissent at this point was quite incredible.
Ronaldo was then yellow carded after a VAR review, then another VARPEN was given to Iran (encouraged by the “Uruguay”players apparently) for a really soft handball. They then had a good chance to win and eliminate Portugal but hit the side netting in a frantic finish.
Morocco put in a feisty performance against Spain and took the lead as Boutaib stole the ball on the halfway line, ran through on De Gea and put the ball through his legs. The lead lasted just five minutes though as a fine passing move ended with Isco lifting the ball into the roof of the net.
Spain fell asleep at the back again and Boutaib had another chance but De Gea saved this time. Spain did appear to be getting on top though.
Pique got away with a blatant looking handball, Morocco hit the post and Isco had a header off the line.. Morocco sensationally went in front with a great header from En-Nesyri with ten minutes to go but Aspas equalised - after yet another a VAR review overruled the offside - to give Spain first place in the group which hadn’t looked likely for most of the evening.
So Spain get the easier looking option of Russia, Portugal have to face Uruguay.
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