Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before Portugal conceded an injury-time spot-kick in a 1-1 draw with Iran at the World Cup yesterday as the European champions set up a last-16 clash with Uruguay.
Ricardo Quaresma curled in a trademark trivela goal on the stroke of half-time at the Mordovia Arena, but Karim Ansarifard's late penalty dropped Portugal to second in Group B behind neighbours Spain.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Ronaldo won a second-half spot-kick after a video review but saw his effort saved. Portugal will face Uruguay in Sochi on July 30 for a place in the quarter-finals after ending Iran's hopes of reaching the knockout phase for the first time.
Ronaldo forced Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand into an early save after barging his way into the box. Iran's first genuine sight of goal came on 34 minutes when Ezatolahi directed a firm header from a free-kick straight into the grateful hands of Rui Patricio.
Quaresma fired Portugal ahead just before the interval when he exchanged passes with Adrien Silva before bending home in style from the edge of the area with the outside of his right foot.
Ronaldo had the chance to double the lead five minutes into the second half after he was upended by Ezatolahi, with a spot-kick awarded following consultation with the video assistant referee (VAR).
But the Portugal captain was denied by Beiranvand who dived to his left to smother Ronaldo's attempt.
Iran earned a stoppage-time penalty, again with the help of VAR, when Sardar Azmoun's header struck the arm of Cedric after the pair contested a deep cross.
Substitute Ansarifard buried his effort into the roof of the net to set up a dramatic finish.
Mehdi Taremi could have snatched a stunning winner after a deflected shot rolled into his path, but he fired into the side netting as Iran fell agonisingly short.
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