Southampton: Cedric involved in VAR controversy for Portugal
By Marc Walker
Southampton full-back Cedric played the full game for Portugal in their 1-1 draw with Iran at the World Cup but was also caught up in late controversy.
It looked as though Portugal would win the game 1-0, but a farcical late penalty was given against the Southampton man for handball following a VAR review and allowed Iran to equalise in the final moments.
He jumped with opposition attacker as a cross came into the area but the ball rolled onto his outstretched arm. It looked a harsh decision and he had certainly not made contact with the ball deliberately.
Ricardo Quaresma’s brilliant opening goal opened the scoring but the late drama saw Karim Ansarifard convert the spot-kick to level the score.
The result sees them finish in second place in Group B and sets up a Round of 16 tie with Uruguay in the knockout stages. A win would have seen them win the group and get a favourable match against hosts Russia after Spain only drew with Morocco.
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It had been an enjoyable evening for Cedric until the dreaded late moment. According to whoscored.com, he had made one tackle, two interceptions and two clearances as well as contributing one key pass in attack.
The 26-year-old played every minute of the group-stage for his country and will hope to keep his place as first-choice Right-Back further into the tournament.
VAR had seen Portugal given a penalty of their own earlier in the contest. A review had decided Cristiano Ronaldo had been tripped in the box, but the Real Madrid star had his spot-kick saved well by Iranian keeper Beiranvand.
Two draws and a win saw Portugal accumulate five points from their three games, and they have been involved in some of the tournament’s most eye-catching moments so far.
Cedric’s fellow Saints defender Maya Yoshida played in Japan’s 2-2 draw with Senegal on Sunday, whilst Jan Bednarek and Poland were knocked out of the competition with a 3-0 loss to Colombia.
Wednesday will see Dusan Tadic and Serbia face a crucial clash with Brazil as they look to take advantage of their slim hopes of moving into the Round of 16 too.