Iran coach hospitalized after disallowed goal in 1-0 loss to Spain
A member of Iran’s coaching staff had to be hospitalized after a disallowed goal in Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to Spain.
With Spain leading 1-0 in the second half, Saeid Ezatolahi scored what appeared to be an equalizing goal. But officials on the field called Ezatolahi offside in the sequence leading up to the goal.
Close call leads to health “difficulties” for Iran coach
It was a close decision, and officials went to the VAR video replay system, which confirmed the offside call.
Iran thought they had equalized but VAR ruled it was offside! pic.twitter.com/CObtXL78Sq
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 20, 2018
It was then that the Iran coach started experiencing health “difficulties,” according to team manager Carlos Querioz.
“In this moment we are more concerned because one member of our staff in difficulty from health point of view after VAR decision,” Querioz told The Independent. “He went to hospital, but we hope everything will be all right. A member of our staff in difficulty. We pray for him at this moment. This shows the emotional power of our national team.”
Querioz did not identify the coach or give specifics of his medical issue.
Iran still alive to advance
The stakes were high, and Iran continued to the threaten heavily favored Spain for the rest of the match, but couldn’t break through. Iran now faces a must-win match next Monday against Portugal.
If they win, they advance to the World Cup’s knockout stage.
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