15 June 2018•Update: 16 June 2018
By Satuk Bugra Kutlugun
ANKARA
Iran defeated Morocco 1-0 in a Group B match on Friday evening, earning their second ever win in World Cup history.
Morocco substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz's own header goal in the injury time gave Team Melli their first ever win since the World Cup 1998 in France, when they beat United States 2-1.
The World Cup 1998 also brings back bitter memories for Morocco as they also scored an own goal in that tournament.
The match at Saint Petersburg Stadium saw Morocco controlling the tempo and finding chances but wasting them generously.
Despite their 81 percent pass completion and 63 percent ball control in the first half, Morocco were unable to break the deadlock.
In the extra time, an own goal sealed their faith for the match as they started the tournament with a 1-0 loss.
Iran's first ever World Cup win in 20 years delighted the players and the coaching staff as they celebrated jubilantly with their fans after the final whistle.
The referee trio for the match were Cuneyt Cakir, Bahattin Duran and Tarik Ongun from the Turkish Football Federation.
The other match of the Group B will be played between Portugal and Spain at Fisht Stadium in Sochi at 1800GMT.
