Asian teams weren't expected to make an impact at the World Cup but a record points haul and some stunning performances against top sides have lifted their hopes for Qatar 2022.... more »
Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun has announced his retirement from international football aged just 23, saying criticism from fans of his performance at the World Cup had harmed his mother's health.... more »
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was fortunate to escape a red card despite a VAR review following an elbow in Monday's 1-1 draw at the World Cup.... more »
Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty before Portugal conceded an injury-time spot-kick in a 1-1 draw with Iran at the World Cup on Monday as the European champions set up a last-16 clash with Uruguay.... more »
Portugal boss Fernando Santos predicts a "tough battle" in Monday's decisive World Cup group game against Iran as both countries chase a place in the last 16.... more »
A lucky Diego Costa goal handed World Cup hopefuls Spain their first win of the World Cup although dogged Iran came close to causing a major upset on Wednesday.... more »
Cristiano Ronaldo trained his sights on Morocco on Wednesday after his stunning hat-trick in Portugal's World Cup opener, while 2010 winners Spain play Iran with the host nation buzzing from Russia's unexpected success.... more »
Spanish playmaker Isco say Wednesday's match against Iran will determine their World Cup destiny as they seek to register their first win in Russia following a gripping 3-3 draw against Portugal.... more »
Iranians had few options to watch their World Cup opener against Morocco, bar a few cinemas and cafes, but after their shock victory Friday, they burst out into the streets of Tehran in rare and wild celebration.... more »
Iran's players stormed the pitch at full-time as if they had won the World Cup rather than just their opening match after an own goal from Morocco's Aziz Bouhaddouz gifted them a dramatic 1-0 victory on Friday.... more »
Morocco coach Herve Renard has welcomed the support of Louis van Gaal as fans in the Netherlands rally behind his squad -- containing five Dutch-born players -- at the World Cup.... more »
Cancelled friendlies, world-class opposition and even a shortage of boots will not dent Iran's World Cup dreams, says coach Carlos Queiroz, whose side have become accustomed to upsetting the odds.... more »
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz believes his players have been brought closer together by Nike's decision to cut their supply of World Cup kit to the team but the acid test will come against Morocco on Friday.... more »
US sporting goods giant Nike confirmed Monday it had stopped supplying Iran's football team with boots ahead of the World Cup due to sanctions.... more »
Iran became the first team Tuesday to arrive in Russia for the World Cup, a month-long celebration of football that kicks off in Moscow's historic Luzhniki Stadium on June 14.... more »
Iran has announced its final 23-man line-up for the 2018 World Cup as it arrives in Russia with arguably its most accomplished squad ever and the wind in its sails after an unbeaten run through qualifiers.... more »
Carlos Queiroz was once Alex Ferguson's formidable number two at Manchester United, but he has now carved out a new reputation -- a man who can take your team to the World Cup.... more »
Sardar Azmoun has been piling up the international goals and has the potential to be the stand-out World Cup player for an Iranian squad that has regularly outperformed expectations.... more »
Reigning European champions Portugal will take on Iberian neighbours and well-fancied Spain in a mouthwatering Group B clash on just the second day of the World Cup.... more »
Iran announced its 24-man squad for the 2018 World Cup late Sunday, surprisingly omitting striker Kaveh Rezaei, but with plenty of expectation after an unbeaten run through qualifying.... more »
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