Islamic Republic of Iran President Hassan Rouhani has congratulated the national football team following their 1-0 win over Morocco in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

IR Iran Minister of Youth and Sports Masoud Soltanifar conveyed the President’s message to head coach Carlos Queiroz in a telephone conversation following Friday’s Group B win, which the Central Asian side secured through an own goal by Moroccan defender Aziz Bouhaddouz deep in added time.

Soltanifar said Iranians had been waiting for this day for three years, and the national team’s players gave them a present on the auspicious day of Eid Al-Fitr and made history by recording a second victory in their FIFA World Cup history.

IR Iran’s first ever win at the FIFA World Cup was a 2-1 triumph over the United States in the 1998 edition.

«This sweet win will make Iranians proud, increase national unity and solidarity, and I hope the Iranian team can do well in the next two matches, which are much harder, perform well and play with dignity,» the Sports Minister added.

«Today we saw thousands of Iranians from all over the world encouraging their country’s national team and their hearts and prayers are with the national team in the future matches of this tough group.”

Sultanifer also thanked the Iranian people who are supporting the team in Russia.

IR Iran next play 2010 World Cup champions Spain on June 20 before completing their group campaign against reigning European champions Portugal five days later.