FIFA World Cup: Iran wins tough opening match against Morocco by sheer luck 

In a tough and well-fought match, Morocco lost its opening match of FIFA World Cup against its Asian counterpart, Iran, with a self-goal by a defender in injury time (93rd minute). Morocco who started aggressively and dominated the proceedings for first 20 minutes of the game lost the grip on the match as the game proceeded.

The first Asian-African clash of this world cup witnessed more fouls, injuries and yellow cards as players of both teams got physical. The Iranian captain got first yellow card at the very start of the match when the match was just 9 minutes old. Both the teams were playing with identical formation of 3-4-3. The aggression was was visible as neither team played defensive.

Morocco got its first opportunity in 18th minute when in the melee in the small D, the Iran defenders somehow managed to keep the ball out. Iranian Goalkeeper Ali Reza made some outstanding saves. In the very next minute Iran had a very good chance but were unable to finish the move. In the 30th minute Moroccan striker got chance in penalty area but gave a simple shot to goalkeeper. In 42nd minute Iranian striker got a golden opportunity to score a goal but in one to one the Moroccan keeper outsmarted the striker.

After the change of half, Iran started aggressively but in 68th minute Iran’s coach had to call back captain Masood Shojait as he was seen losing his temper and he already received a yellow card. In the 73rd minute, a Moroccan experienced winger was injured and he was substituted. In 79th minute Iranian goalkeeper made a brilliant save. By the time the match entered injury time, the players of both the teams were drained out. In the 93rd minute Iranian midfielder Ahsan Shafi took a free kick which the Moroccan defender headed into his own goal.

Iran got very important three points in the very first match and it was the first time that Iran won its opening match. At present it is atop Group B. But Portugal vs Spain in the same group is coming up shortly...