FIFA 2018: Spain snatch late draw with Morocco to top group

Updated - June 26, 2018 01:48 am IST

Published - June 26, 2018 01:42 am IST - KALININGRAD, Russia

 Spain’s forward Iago Aspas celebrates after the Video Assistant Referee confirmed his goal during the 2018 World Cup Group B match between Spain and Morocco at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad on June 25, 2018.

Spain’s forward Iago Aspas celebrates after the Video Assistant Referee confirmed his goal during the 2018 World Cup Group B match between Spain and Morocco at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad on June 25, 2018.

Spain snatched a 2-2 draw against Morocco on June 25 to qualify for the World Cup last 16 and take top spot in Group B ahead of Portugal on goals scored.

Morocco striker Khalid Boutaib gave the north African side a shock early lead but Isco levelled, blasting high into the net after a layoff from Andres Iniesta.

Morocco, already eliminated, struck again in the 81st minute when substitute Youssef En-Nesyri crashed in a header which looked set to inflict a first defeat on Spain since Euro 2016.

But substitute Iago Aspas levelled in stoppage-time after consultation from the video assistant referee (VAR), putting Spain top ahead of Portugal, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Iran.

Spain will play Russia in the last 16.

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