AFC: Who was the Asian star of the group stage?
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 15: Morteza Pouraliganji of Iran during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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Loading...AFC – KUALA LUMPUR, After two weeks of scintillating action, the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup ended on Thursday with Japan progressing to a last 16 clash against Belgium on Monday.
Many of the Samurai Blue shone in the first round while, although departed, a number of players from Asia’s other representatives grabbed the world’s attention.
Morteza Pouraliganji – Islamic Republic of Iran
Tasked with marking Spain’s Diego Costa and Portugal’s Ronaldo in Group B, no defender would have had a tougher assignment than Morteza Pouraliganji. He was outstanding in limiting their threat, with Costa grabbing a fortuitous goal and Ronaldo nullified for the first time.
