Spain steals top spot from Portugal in Group B after dramatic turn of events
Football, bloody hell.
Spain's dramatic last-minute equaliser against Morocco on Monday secured an unbelievable 2-2 draw that allowed the 2010 World Cup winner to wrest first place in Group B from Portugal.
Fernando Santos' side was all set to top the quartet until the final minutes of the corresponding Group B fixture, when a penalty awarded by the Video Assistant Referee gave Iran a 1-1 draw.
Almost simultaneously, VAR made decisions that changed the fate of the group. Initially ruled offside, Iago Aspas' back-heel effort in the 91st minute of Spain's match versus Morocco was later deemed to be a good goal. And in Saransk, Iran scored off a late spot-kick after VAR determined that Cedric Soares handled the ball.
The results put both Spain and Portugal on five points, but the former finished ahead based on goals scored.
| # | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| 2 | Portugal | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 3 | Iran | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Morocco | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 1 |
Iran could have dealt an even more painful blow to Portugal had Mehdi Taremi buried a late chance by the near post in second-half stoppage time. Taremi just missed the goal as Portugal scrambled for cover.
(Courtesy: Getty Images)
That would have propelled Iran to the top of Group B and kicked Portugal out of the tournament. Instead, Team Melli was left pondering what could have been.
Portugal will now face Group A winner Uruguay on Saturday in Sochi, while Spain looks forward to an easier last-16 clash with Russia on Sunday.
Supporters of the Euro 2016 champion will feel shortchanged. Cristiano Ronaldo would have eliminated Iran much earlier if he had converted his penalty in the 52nd minute. There were also grievances with VAR and questions as to whether Soares' handball was legitimate.