FIFA World Cup 2014: Iran coach Carlos Queiroz blasts referee who waved away penalty

Belo Horizonte (Brazil)/ Tehran:: Iran coach Carlos Queiroz questioned how the referee in Saturday's 1-0 World Cup loss to 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 challenged Ashkan Dejagah in the second half as the midfielder was running toward goal.

"It should have been a penalty and red card. There's no excuse. There's nothing that can explain (why) this Serbian referee (did) not give the penalty," Queiroz told reporters after the game.

"How can this guy sleep tonight, or for the rest of his life?" Queiroz continued. "With all respect, I would like to have the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with him. Why did he do that to us?"

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella said that from where he was sitting it didn't look like a penalty because he got the impression Zabaleta went for the ball and not the Iranian player.

Zabeleta also said the referee made the right call.

"It wasn't a clear penalty situation," he said.

Television replays appeared to show Zabaleta making contact with the ball before bringing down Dejagah.

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

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Iranians 'proud' after Argentina heartbreak

Passionate Iranian fans held their heads up Saturday after a last minute goal from four-time world player of the year Lionel Messi, saw their beloved Team Melli lose 1-0 to Argentina.

But they also felt "robbed" after Iran were denied what looked like a clear penalty when forward Ashkan Dejagah was brought down by Argentine defender Pablo Zabaleta in the penalty box.

"We were robbed," cried an overwhelmed Atieh, dressed in Iran's national shirt.

"That was a definite penalty kick." said the State television's commentator, commentating live to millions of fans across the country.

He was not kind to Serbian referee Milorad Mazic: "He got on our nerves."

Ehsan, with a face covered in an Iran flag, chipped in: "We played wonderfully, and against one of the best teams in the world. In the end, we only lost to Messi."

The Argentine wizard shattered Iran after 90 minutes of effective defense and counter attacks, with a brilliant curling shot into the top left hand corner.

Some people in Tehran took to their cars, honking horns and waving the national flag, in a show of support.

"This is a proud moment in Iran's footballing history," said Negar, who like her friends had plastered a small Iran flag on her face.

Reza, while expressing pride over the 1-0 defeat, blamed what he termed as poor management at Iran's Football Federation.

"Our boys were perfect. It is a shame that they did not have a proper preparation," he said, referring to only a few friendly matches prior to the tournament, in part due to lack of funds.

"And now they can't even extend (Carlos) Queiroz's contract," he added.