FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018: VOLGOGRAD – Ronaldo foul sets World Cup penalties record

June 27, 2018June 27, 2018 Editor 0 Comment FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018: VOLGOGRAD - Ronaldo foul sets World Cup penalties record

Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) reacts as Iran’s defender Morteza Pouraliganji and his teammates (R) argue with Paraguayan referee Enrique Caceres during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Portugal at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk on June 25, 2018. AFP PHOTO

Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (R) reacts to receiving a yellow card during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Portugal at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk on June 25, 2018. AFP PHOTO

VOLGOGRAD: A foul on Cristiano Ronaldo during Portugal’s Group B clash against Iran on Monday resulted in a record 19th penalty at the World Cup before the knockout rounds.

The Portugal forward was brought down in the box shortly into the second half in Saransk, with the penalty awarded by use of the video assistant referee (VAR).

Although Ronaldo’s spot kick was saved by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, the decision eclipsed the previous record tally of 18 penalties awarded set at the 2002 World Cup hosted by Japan and South Korea

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo goes down under the challenge of Iran’s Saeid Ezatolahi prompting referee Enrique Caceres to award Portugal a penalty after a VAR referral. REUTERS

In Brazil four years ago, there were only 13 penalties in the entire tournament.

The use of the VAR has contributed hugely to the spike, and it was employed earlier on Monday to award a penalty to Saudi Arabia’s Salman Al-Faraj in their Group A match against Egypt.

Paraguayan referee Enrique Caceres shows the yellow card to Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Portugal at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk on June 25, 2018. AFP PHOTO

Al-Faraj’s penalty was the second awarded in the match, which Saudi Arabia won 2-1.

Saudi Arabia’s Fahad Al-Muwallad was given a penalty after a foul in the box in the 39th minute but his effort was saved by the keeper. –Reuters / By Reuters – June 26, 2018 @ 3:53am