Iran coach criticizes referee for refusing penalty appeal in World Cup match against Argentina

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has questioned how the referee in Saturday's defeat by Argentina will be able to sleep at night after ignoring claims for a penalty.

Referee Milorad Mazic didn't point to the spot when Argentina right back Pablo Zabaleta mistimed his challenge on Ashkan Dejagah in the second half as the midfielder was running toward goal.

Queiroz said it "should have been a penalty and red card." The coach also questioned "how can this guy sleep tonight, or for the rest of his life?"

Queiroz said he would like to have a one-on-one conversation with Mazic about it and ask "why did he do that to us," saying there was "no excuse" for the decision.

Lionel Messi scored in stoppage time to give Argentina a 1-0 victory.