FIFA - Group C came down to the wire as a late deflected goal helped Portugal edge Iran 2-1 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 and send them to the knockout stages.
Iran opened the scoring just four minutes into the match when Reza Shekari found space at the near post to head in Ali Shojaei's corner kick for his third of the tournament.
Portugal were then forced to take the initiative in searching for a goal while Iran sat in a compact defensive posture. That was effective until Diogo Goncalves scored a superb equaliser in the 54th minute. Portugal then created the majority of chances until in the 86th minute, they found the goal that kept their campaign alive.
Substitute Xande Silva's cross on the right wing deflected off Iran defender Nima Taheri and snuck into the far side of the net. Iran then created a couple of late chances, but Portugal held on to ensure their progression to the knockout stages.
Portugal will now face hosts Korea Republic in the Round of 16 on Tuesday 30 May in Cheonan, while Iran are eliminated from the competition and still in search of their first knockout berth in the tournament.
- Reza Shekari scores third goal of tournament
- Diogo Goncalves curls in a superb effort in second half
- Portugal finish Group C as runners-up, Iran in fourth