Iran vs Portugal, World Cup 2018: Mehdi Taremi goes close to causing one of the biggest upsets in history

Iran 1-1 Portugal: The reigning European champions conceded a late penalty to slip to second in Group B, but were lucky not to exit the tournament altogether

Carlos Queiroz knows Cristiano Ronaldo better than most, and in keeping his former apprentice quiet, even allowing for a penalty miss, Queiroz almost, almost oversaw an Iranian miracle in Saransk, despite VAR’s best efforts to aid their cause.

The fervent atmosphere certainly had a nostalgic feel to it. The Iranians were the ones making all the noise, but recycled noise, blowing Vuvuzelas - of annoyance fame at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - bursting into an Icelandic thunderclap from Euro 2016, all washed down by countless enthusiastic Mexican waves.

All that noise was inspiring Iran early on in the Mordovia Arena, as they threatened the Portugal goal on occasion, as well as being as incredibly well drilled at the back. Don’t forget, only Brazil booked their spot at the World Cup quicker than Iran, having kept nine consecutive clean sheets in the final qualifying round - this is Asia’s best side.

Master Queiroz seeming had a plan for his former apprentice Ronaldo. Queiroz struck up a bond with Ronaldo while at Manchester United as assistant manager, after persuading the club to invest in the prodigious 18-year-old - the deal to bring Ronaldo to United was in fact brokered in Queiroz’s flat in Lisbon.

That relationship later soured after Portugal’s exit at the last 16 stage in the 2010 World Cup, but that has not stopped Queiroz remembering how to restrict his former protege.

With everyone but talented striker Sardar Azmoun behind the ball, Ronaldo’s space was so restricted he was forced to drop deeper with the mere mortals to try to influence proceedings.

All that attention on Ronaldo, though, leaves space for others, and Ricardo Quaresma took full advantage when breaking the Iranian resistance just before half time, producing a trivela - a curler with the outside of his boot which has become the veteran’s trademark down the years - to break the deadlock.

The goal was harsh on Iran, and with time running secure a first last-16 World Cup qualification, they were forced out of their comfort zone, adopting an altogether different approach - to attack.

An average of one goal per game en route to qualification for Russia exemplifies their reliance on that sturdy defence, but it looked like it would be VAR that would ensure they had no time to get themselves back in the match, just as Queiroz had feared pre-match.

"People sitting in the stands need to know what the rules are,” Queiroz said pre-match. “Who is refereeing the game? We need to know.” His exasperation was confounded as Portugal were handed an penalty early in the second half to double their lead.

Quaresma and Ronaldo celebrate the former's fine opening goal (Getty)

Ronaldo, though, having won the debatable penalty after VAR had “corrected” referee Enrique Caceres, who initially waved away appeals, stepped up and saw a tame spot kick saved by Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand. Anything to emulate Lionel Messi…

VAR was not done there, with Ronaldo then fearing his nightmare evening was about to get worse, but he was only cautioned for a flailing elbow.

Nonetheless, those referees in their full kits watching replays took centre stage once more, as they adjudged Cedric Soares to have handled in the box in stoppage time, with Karim Ansarifard converting to snatch a point for Iran.

Mehdi Taremi almost caused one of the biggest shocks in history moments later, but could only find the side netting. I am not sure the foundations of the newly-constructed Mordovia Arena could have taken the Iranian celebrations if Taremi had converted.

Ansarifard scored a late penalty for Iran (Getty)

What will displease Santos and his staff most, though, is that in allowing Spain, who secured a late draw against Morocco themselves, in to finish top of Group B is that now Portugal face Uruguay - who hit top gear earlier on Monday against hosts Russia to finish top of Group A - in the last 16, and should Ronaldo misfire as he did in Saransk, Portugal's World Cup dream could be over before it has even begun.