Match Review: Morocco v. Iran

Morocco v Iran
Score: 0-1
Goal: Bouhaddouz 90+3'
Possession:68-32
Shots: 13-9
Man of the match: Alireza Beiranvand (CS)


In a similar finish to the Uruguay v Egypt match, Iran score late on against favorites Morocco. Morocco stormed out of the gates to start the first half. Schalke winger Amine Harit was everywhere. Making mazey runs around the Iran midfield and constantly creating chances. Morocco's best chance came from a scuffle in the box, where they had about 4 shots in 20 seconds, and none of them ended up in the back of the net. There were many other half chances as well, but many of the shots were sliced wide or well saved by Iranian keeper. During all this though Iran played their cards well and had some very dangerous counter attacks. The best chance of the half for either side came to Iranian star Sardar Azmoun. As he was played in completely 1v1 with the keeper. It looked like an easy finish but a poor touch made it a comfortable save for the keeper. Going into the half both teams would've felt unlucky and felt they should've capitalized on their respective chances. The second half started with much of the same. Morocco were attacking well but still not creating anything concrete. Then around 60 minutes the match hit a real dry spell. With the combination of fatigue of the Moroccans, and the defensive nature of Iran made the match very scrappy and slow. Then in the 79th minute star attacking mid Hakim Ziyech had a brilliantly volley wonderfully saved by the Iran keeper. This started the final waves of attacks for Morocco. Unfortunately their attack was their eventual demise. During an Iran counter attack a poor foul was given away by Morocco's Nordin Amrabat and a free kick was conceded. The ball was swung in and headed by Morocco substitute Bouhaddouz into his own net. The tactics from Iran were executed perfectly and they will go into their game with Spain absolutely elated. Unfortunately for Morocco, the dark horse of the group, the chances of progression look very low going into their clash against Portugal.