Iran’s Reza Ghoochannejhad used Instagram to console the Moroccan player who scored game-deciding own goal

Iran defeated Morocco 1-0 on the second day of the 2018 World Cup thanks to a stoppage-time own goal from Moroccan Aziz Bouhaddouz. After the game, Iran forward Reza Ghoochannejhad took to Instagram to console Bouhaddouz after the loss.

@aziz_bouhaddouz I don’t know you personally but in life, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Don’t let this owngoal bring you down. We are all professional sportsmen and this is a part of football. I am so happy and proud of my team and my country, but wanted to wish you also all the best in your career. Reza.

It was a touching gesture of sportsmanship from one player to another after a grueling match. Iran and Morocco had sparred through 94 scoreless minutes and appeared destined to succumb to a draw before Bouhaddouz’s mistake. After nearly two halves of offensive miscues and excellent goaltending, the deciding goal came off Bouhaddouz’s head as he tried to clear a crossing pass through the back of his own baseline as the game drew to a close.

It’s a crushing mistake, but one that may be a little easier to get over with the support of some friends — including one he didn’t know he could count on until Friday.