Portugal held on for a 1-1 draw against Iran tonight to progress from Group B, but it was a night to forget for Cristiano Ronaldo who missed a penalty and was lucky not to be sent off.
Iran were well organised and determined throughout, but went behind after a stunning Ricardo Quaresma goal. They equalised late on with a Karim Ansarifard penalty, but it wasn't enough and Carlos Queiroz's side were knocked out.
Ronaldo had a chance to make it 2-0 but failed with a weak penalty effort to Alireza Beiranvand's left.
Iran 0-1 Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo has his penalty saved and somewhere in the England camp, Harry Kane is bouncing off the roof #RTEsoccer #WorldCup #IRN #POR pic.twitter.com/Ucb65SfDOp
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 25, 2018
However, Ronaldo's altercation with Morteza Pouraliganji midway through the second half saw the referee consult VAR. Speaking on RTE Sport, Liam Brady said it should have been a red card for violent conduct.
should this have been a red card for Ronaldo? #PORIRN #Ronaldo #Worldcup2018Russia pic.twitter.com/6dgsSVdkYv
— Basementpundit (@basementpundit) June 25, 2018
Spain now progress as the top team, with Portugal through as runners-up.
