Lionel Messi Argentina v Iran (Reuters)
Lionel Messi scored a stoppage time winner to spare Argentina’s blushes, clinching a 1-0 win over a stubborn and organised Iran side.
With
time running out the Barcelona star picked up the ball on the edge of
the box and found the bottom corner with a curling shot, clinching the
points and a sport in the last 16 for Alejandro Sabella’s men.
Gonzalo Higuain passed up the first clearcut chance of the match, getting in behind the Iran defence from a Fernando Gago pass. But he saw his shot smothered by Alireza Haghighi.Iran were making it very difficult for Argentina to break them down, but were wasteful with what few chances were afforded to them, with Ezequiel Garay heading over the bar from close range.
Carlos Queiroz’s side could have taken the lead themselves just before the break, but Mohammed Hosseini couldn’t get over Ashkan Dejagah’s corner kick delivery, planting his header just over.
Iran showed more attacking intent in the second half, and drew a good save from Romero, following Reza Ghoochanneljhad’s diving header from a Hussein-Ali Montarezi cross into the box.
The referee then turned down a strong claim for an Iranian penalty, with Dejagah cleaned out in the 18 yard box by Pablo Zabaleta, but despite feverish protests, play was allowed to continue.Iran looked to have held on for a point, but Messi scored a sensational winner to give Argentina a 1-0 win in stoppage time.
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