Group B minnows were convinced they had levelled when Saeid Ezatolahi lashed a 62nd-minute shot past David De Gea
IRAN though they had netted the most famous goal in their history – only to see it chalked out for offside.
The Group B minnows were convinced they had levelled during their defeat to Spain when Saeid Ezatolahi lashed a 62nd-minute shot past David De Gea.
It was a strike which sparked a mass pitch invasion from then Iran bench.
But their joy was cut short by an eagle-eyed linesman who had spotted Ezatolahi straying offside in the build-up.
Uruguayan ref Andres Cunha, who awarded a VAR-assisted penalty to France at the weekend, was once again happy to let the men in the TV studios make the big call.
And despite Iran’s protests to the contrary, the video replays backed the linesman’s judgement and lucky Spain were off the hook.
Iran must now beat reigning European champions Portugal if they are to make it out of Group B and into the last 16.
Spain, the 2010 World Cup winners, just need a draw with Morocco to reach the knockout stage.
Fernando Hierro's side were frustrated by Iran throughout the game and were lucky not to concede earlier in the 53rd minute.
Karim Ansarifard lashed a low shot into the side-netting which many fans inside the Kazan Arena thought was in.
Just a minute later Spain sprung up to the other end of the pitch and Diego Costa netted the winner.
And the former Chelsea striker knew little about it when as the ball ricocheted in off his knee.
