The looniest of World Cup chaos was inches away, complete with two potential stunning upsets and even more controversial video reviews.

But then Iran’s last-ditch effort fell short in a 1-1 tie with Portugal here at Mordovia Arena, just as Spain knotted its game 2-2 with the Moroccans. The two soccer powers could exhale. Two draws meant they would both advance. Balance was ultimately restored after a frenetic few minutes that threatened soccer norms.

Or as Portugal manager Fernando Santos put it: “The game got a little weird.”

The game was a little weird even before Karim Ansarifard put home Iran’s late equalizer. A player not named Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal. There was a controversial video review that led to a Ronaldo penalty kick. Ronaldo missed that penalty. And then there was another controversial video review involving Ronaldo.

Before all of that, Ricardo Quaresma opened the scoring from Portugal in the 45th minute. Quaresma, 34 years old, had scored only nine goals in 78 career national team appearances. He had played only 21 minutes in Portugal’s first two matches. Often when he takes his signature shot—off the outside of his foot—fans know it’s going to miss, badly. This time, it was a beautiful strike that gave Portugal an early 1-0 lead.

That looked like it would become 2-0 when in the 53rd minute, the video assistant referee gave Portugal a penalty kick. Then Ronaldo, who had scored four goals in Portugal’s first two matches, had his shot shockingly stopped.

Later in the second half, Ronaldo found himself being inspected by the cameras once again. This time, the VAR reviewed an apparent elbow—which was turned into a yellow card. Iran manager Carlos Queiroz, who is from Portugal, questioned if Ronaldo would have been kicked out of the game if it weren’t for his superstar status.

“It’s a red card,” Queiroz said. “Give me a break.”

Then, in between all the review breaks, there was actually some soccer played. Only until they went to the VAR once more, this time whistling a handball on Portugal in the box and setting up Iran’s only goal. In the waning time, Iran dangerously attacked and had one near game-winner roll just wide.

Now, Portugal will play Uruguay in the Round of 16 with Spain set to take on Russia, with the Spaniards topping the group based on a goals scored tiebreaker.

When the match finished, Portugal knew it would advance—it only needed a tie to ensure that. The Iran players, when the final whistle blew, collapsed to the ground while the Iranian-heavy crowd refused to leave the arena or stop cheering, even as their team was eliminated.

“We deserved to win the game,” Queiroz said.

The Wall Street Journal

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