Morocco had by far the better of the chances before Aziz Bouhaddouz’s own goal handed victory to Iran.
Aziz Bouhaddouz scored a calamitous own goal deep into second-half stoppage time as Morocco slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Iran in their first World Cup match for 20 years.

The late drama sparked wild celebrations from the Iran bench in St Petersburg as Carlos Queiroz’s side took three points from a game in which they were second best for long periods.

Herve Renard’s team were well-organised but Morocco extended their record of never having won their opening game in the tournament despite dominating the match and carving out opportunities to score either side of half-time.

Iran’s counter-attacking strategy had failed to bear fruit with Karim Ansarifard and Sardar Azmoun squandering great chances until their wastefulness was rendered irrelevant by Bouhaddouz’s late error.

The Morocco striker, on as a substitute in the 77th minute, put Ehsan Haji Safi’s free-kick through his own net with a diving header in the 95th minute of the game, leaving no time for a comeback.

While Iran celebrated, Morocco faced up to the daunting reality of going into their remaining Group B games against Spain and Portugal with no points on the board.

Morocco, competing at the World Cup finals for the first time in 20 years, started positively and Amine Harit fired wide with a volley from the edge of the penalty area after two minutes.

Younes Belhanda headed past the post from Nordin Amrabat’s cross shortly after as Morocco found their way behind the Iran defence with ease, before Ayoub El Kaabi failed to test Alireza Beiranvand in the Iran goal when he swung wildly at a chance from 18 yards.

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