Carlos Queiroz hails "beautiful" Iran win over Morocco at 2018 World Cup

Iran manager Carlos Queiroz has lauded a "beautiful" victory for his side as they ran out 1-0 winners against Morocco in their World Cup Group B meeting in St Petersburg.

Atlas Lions substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz put the ball into his own net with a diving header at the near post in the 95th minute to gift Team Melli their first World Cup win since 1998.

Queiroz, who previously assisted Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and also managed Real Madrid, was delighted to see his charges rewarded for their "tough, courageous" performance.

"The first games are always difficult and very tough and this one was not different, but this one was also beautiful, a great match," the Portuguese told BBC Sport.

"We knew they had a very strong and powerful way they start the games but our strategy was from the first minute to create a mental collapse in the Morocco players and we tried to do that by creating frustration and blocking the playmakers.

"In the first half we started to jump out and the most open opportunities belonged to Iran and we were able to create panic in their defence and then the game changed.

"From then on the Morocco players knew we could win the game. You need a bit of luck, Morocco are a great team, great players, but I'm sure they did not expect a tough, courageous team from Iran."

Iran currently top Group B after Portugal and Spain played out a 3-3 draw on Friday night.