Who is Milad Mohammadi, and what was the Iran footballer’s shocking last-minute throw in?

WHAT was he thinking?

1-0 down against Spain in extra-time in their crucial World Cup, Iran full-back Milad Mohammadi tried a more unorthodox throw in, costing his team a valuable 30 seconds in the dying stages of the game. But who is he, and what exactly did he do?

What did Milad Mohammadi do?

90 mins, three mins and 30 seconds into 94 mins of extra-time, Mohammadi kissed the ball then took a step back.

• He then looked up and pointed his finger into the sky in tribute or prayer and SOMERSAULTED with the ball in his hands.
• Mohammadi was about to throw the ball in in one sweeping, acrobatic movement but at the 11th hour he changed his mind.
• Because he had stopped his movement and did not release the ball he was allowed to try again and this time he instead took a more conservative approach, throwing the ball back to a team-mate.
• 30 whole seconds of extra-time wasted on that throw in and Spain went on to secure their 1-0 win.

WE’RE RON THE BALL All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup

Who is Milad Mohammadi?

Milad Mohammadi is a 24-year-old full-back who plays in the Persian Gulf Pro League for Sepahan.

He has been capped 20 times for Iran.

Mohammadi featured for his country at youth level before moving up to the senior ranks.