Iran Defeats Morocco in First FIFA World Cup Match

Iran’s national football team won its first match in the FIFA World Cup 2018 against Morocco thanks to an own goal in injury time.

A late own goal by Morocco substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz helped Iran win its first match at a World Cup finals since 1998.

Bouhaddouz put the ball into his own net with a diving header at the near post in the 95th minute as Morocco defended a left-wing free-kick.

The result was harsh on the African side, who had wasted numerous chances in the first half and were denied late on when Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand produced a fine save from Hakim Ziyech.

But Iran took the victory, only their second in World Cup history after a 2-1 win over the United States at France 1998.

Morocco became the second African side to concede a late winning goal in the World Cup on Friday, after Egypt lost 1-0 to Uruguay in Group A, thanks to a last-minute header from Jose Gimenez.

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