World Cup 2018: Ricardo Quaresma scores trivela in Iran 1-1 Portugal

The FIFA World Cup has produced some of the greatest moments and goals in footballing history. One unforgettable strike was in the 2018 tournament courtesy of Ricardo Quaresma during Portugal’s fixture against Iran.

Portugal’s 2018 World Cup campaign began in Group B alongside Iran, Morocco and 2010 winners Spain.

They went into the tournament as one of the outside favourites, largely due to the fact they were the reigning European champions.

Plus, they were captained by five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, who looked to add a FIFA World Cup golden boot to his endless list of accolades.

Portugal’s campaign began with a powerhouse clash against Spain, in which Ronaldo stole the headlines for his incredible hat-trick performance. However, both teams only left with a point as the game finished all even, in a six-goal thriller at 3-3.

Matchday 1 also saw Iran top the group after an own goal from Morocco in extra time allowed Iran to win the game 1-0.

In matchday 2, Portugal got themselves a win after a header from Cristiano Ronaldo in the first five minutes.

Matchday 3 required Portugal to avoid an upset against Iran to ensure their progression to the knockout stages.

The game between Iran and Portugal was one of the feistiest in the group, with referee Enrique Caceres having to hand out six yellow cards. Two Iranian and four Portuguese players were booked, including Ronaldo, for unsporting behaviour in the 83rd minute.

The game began slowly, with fans having to wait until the dying moments of the first half to see the deadlock broken. Alireza Beiranvand, in the Iranian goal, was beaten by a moment of brilliance orchestrated by Portuguese veteran Quaresma.

Quaresma received the ball on the right side of the pitch and played a swift one-two with Adrien Silva as he made a cutting run towards the box. Due to the pressure of an Iran defender, the only options were to either cross the ball or shoot with his left foot, but Quaresma chose to unleash one of his signature trivela strikes on the world stage.

A trivela is when the player strikes the ball with the outside of their foot, causing it to swerve.

Quaresma’s shot looped over the goalkeeper and into the top left corner giving Portugal the lead.

As the match progressed, Portugal continued to dominate, but a late penalty from Iran after a handball by Portugal saw both sides leave with a point.