Iran v Portugal, 25th June, 7pm(GMT)

[JJ1532]

So, the tasks are simple for both teams.

Iran only progress with a win, nothing else will do after their defeat to Spain. They gave Spain a run for their money, so I wouldn't rule them out. Would be beautiful if they sent Portugal home, can't be doing with everyone on social media creaming themselves over Ronaldo, it's nauseating.

Portugal though look strong and only need a draw. Will they be that bothered about finishing 1st/2nd? I mean, it's either an inform Russia or stingey Uruguay. Neither strike fear into you, despite Russia's form and Uruguay's talent.

So, can Iran do it and knock out Portugal? Or will Ronaldo and co be advancing to the last 16?

 

[Stevencc]

Fingers crossed for an Iran win.

 

[JJ1532]

God, this constant droning noise is really starting to get on my nerves....but enough about Mark Lawrenson's co-commentary.

 

[Liam_SWFC]

Iran started quite well, that goal for Morocco in the other game really has opened it up now.

 

[JJ1532]

Jesus, Quaresma rolling back the years with that finish. What a hit.

 

[Laker]

This game is getting tasty. Few tactics going in, Ronaldo had a penalty saved (brilliant save btw), Portugal defenders now trying to get Iran players sent off. And the goal was beyond sublime, better than Coutinho’s and Lingard’s in my opinion.

 

[JJ1532]

Correct call for the Ronaldo penalty. Keeper well off his line when he saves it though, should be retaken.

I want to root for Iran, but their antics are Panama esq. Rather pathetic to watch.

 

[Laker]

Correct call for the Ronaldo penalty. Keeper well off his line when he saves it though, should be retaken.

I want to root for Iran, but their antics are Panama esq. Rather pathetic to watch.

I agree but every keeper does it - no different from any other penalty to be honest.

Iran have given it a real go, they’re just not quite good enough.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Terrible penalty from Ronaldo, but yeah he was in front of his line by quite a bit. That rule never gets applied now though

 

[dedwardp]

Clear penalty. Wtf is Lawrenson going on about Ronaldo not being in full control of the ball for? Harry Kane wasn't in control of the ball yesterday either, it doesn't matter.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Wtf is Lawrenson going on about..

Just apply to the specific topic.

 

[Boletus Edulis]

God, this constant droning noise is really starting to get on my nerves....but enough about Mark Lawrenson's co-commentary.

I am a bit concerned that I have actually agreed with two of Lawrence’s comments. In mitigation this is my first offence.

 

[JJ1532]

Lost count of the amount of half decent attacks Iran have wasted through bad decision making and poor touches.

Think Carvalho got away with one there. Can see why Iran wanted a VAR review.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Was fully expecting a red for Ronaldo there. Would’ve been wrong I think, but he was very silly to have his elbow that high. Can’t be doing with these Iran faking antics though

 

[Laker]

Lawrenson - “with the players they have, with the ability they’ve got, I always feel Portugal can do more”.

They’re current European champions right?!?

 

[rudebwoyben]

This referee is out of his depth here.

 

[Laker]

Iran penalty.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Lawrenson - “with the players they have, with the ability they’ve got, I always feel Portugal can do more”.

They’re current European champions right?!?

He’s not wrong to be fair. They’re very underwhelming. Although I don’t think the team is that good outside of Ronaldo and Rui Patricio.

 

[dedwardp]

That is never ever a penalty in a million years. How can that possibly be 'deliberate' in any sense?

Why did the referee only get the worst angle to look at?

Just goes to show what a complete joke VAR is when even with television replays they still make horrific decisions.

 

[Steve_Wafc]

Unnatural position for the arm to be I guess, but it’s at point blank range. Portugal should be out, Iran missed a golden chance. Crazy game

 

[rudebwoyben]

That is never ever a penalty in a million years. How can that possibly be 'deliberate' in any sense?

Why did the referee only get the worst angle to look at?

There is something about the way the VAR playback that nudges a ref towards giving a penalty or a card.

 

[dedwardp]

Unnatural position for the arm to be I guess, but it’s at point blank range. Portugal should be out, Iran missed a golden chance. Crazy game

It isn't unnatural at all though, he was jumping - that's where arms go.

 

[Bilo]

What a fucking cracker this was.

 

[rudebwoyben]

What a fucking cracker this was.

In the way that the Battle of Santiago was!

 

[Bilo]

That is never ever a penalty in a million years. How can that possibly be 'deliberate' in any sense?

Why did the referee only get the worst angle to look at?

Just goes to show what a complete joke VAR is when even with television replays they still make horrific decisions.

Unnatural position for the arm to be I guess, but it’s at point blank range. Portugal should be out, Iran missed a golden chance. Crazy game

There is something about the way the VAR playback that nudges a ref towards giving a penalty or a card.

It isn't unnatural at all though, he was jumping - that's where arms go.

Heads up: the handball rule is interpreted very differently in different federations. In Europe it's pretty much the most forgiving interpretation, whereas in South America (this ref is from Paraguay) it's much closer to hit the hand, give the pen.

 

[4froale]

I hate the play antics that these smaller teams use but fair play to Iran overall, they have given it a good go.

conceding only one in each game against Spain and Portugal is an achievement in itself.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Clear and obvious they say for this VAR, What an earth was clear and obvious about that. Referee is a complete joke, as is the whole idea. Why is he even being called over for that?

 

[Richard Cranium]

Clear and obvious for me should mean everyone agrees, there’s been so many decisions already that people have a different verdict on

 

[Jockney]

Heads up: the handball rule is interpreted very differently in different federations. In Europe it's pretty much the most forgiving interpretation, whereas in South America (this ref is from Paraguay) it's much closer to hit the hand, give the pen.

But that doesn’t explain why a near identical handball var decision wasn’t given earlier in the match against Iran — and if the SA interpretation is that charitable then why did it need four mins to reach a decision?

 

[Laker]

Clear and obvious they say for this VAR, What an earth was clear and obvious about that. Referee is a complete joke, as is the whole idea. Why is he even being called over for that?

Your last question sums it up - he shouldn’t even be called over for it. The fact the ref then turned the decision round is beyond laughable.