Morocco substitute Aziz Bouhaddouz, who headed into his own net in stoppage time to gift Iran a 1-0 victory on Friday night in their opening Group B World Cup clash, has found an unlikely source of support.

Iran forward Reza Ghoochannejhad sent Bouhaddouz a consoling Instragram post after the match to ease the pain of the St Pauli forward.

“I don’t know you personally but in life, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” began Ghoochannejhad’s post.

“Don’t let this own goal bring you down. We are all professional sportsmen and this is a part of football.

“I am so happy and proud of my team and my country, but wanted to wish you also all the best in your career. Reza.”

The generous gesture from the former Charlton forward proved a big hit with Instagram fans with over 177,000 likes.

The unlucky winning goal came deep into injury-time, with the unfortunate Bouhaddouz, a second-half replacement, heading a cross directly into his own net at the near post.

If it had been at the other end it would have been a stunning winner.

At the final whistle Bouhaddouz had to be helped from the field in  floods of tears, his team-mates consoling him – and understandably so.

Morocco, whose task of qualifying for the knockout stages was already difficult as they are in the same group as Spain and Portugal, now have a mountain to climb to get out of the group stages.

Their next match against Portugal on Wednesday night at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow now becomes a must win for the Moroccans.