Another African representatives Morocco taking on Iran. Coming just after Egypt failed in their bid to begin the world cup campaign on a victorious note .Will the odds favour Morocco?
The Iranians were the first team to arrive Russia; will early landing prove to be a plus for them?
Game is on and both in fact Morocco just missed a chance of shooting into the lead this early and appear to be in a hurry to score.
So far the Atlas Lions of Morocco have been doing all the attacking really and commanding a lot of possession but one counter from Iran nearly broke the ice. Both teams are coached by seasoned sweat merchants Herve Renard for Morocco and Carlos Queiroz for Iran.
It does appear that both coaches told their teams attack! Attack!! Attack!!! but it is the team that is able to check a counter attack that will be safe from conceding in this half
The Iranians are making super use of counter attacks and this could be the joker that might give them the lead. It has indeed been an action packed first half and it is very likely that the second half will be more explosive.
The Moroccans have enjoyed 67% possession as against Iran’s 37%.
It is increasingly looking like this is going to end in a goalless draw as we gradually approach regulation time. A victory here for either side would have been a huge plus as their second and third matches against Spain and Portugal respectively are likely to be tougher than the opening match. Two minutes to stoppage time and own goal hands it to Iran. direct header into his own gate.