Iran coach Carlos Queiroz has lashed out at FIFA after his team's elimination from the 2018 World Cup, insisting that Cristiano Ronaldo should have been sent off due to his off-the-ball elbow against Morteza Pouraliganji during the Portugal-Iran match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Queiroz lamented the decision by referee Enrique Caceres who refrained from giving a red car to Ronaldo even after using the VAR (video assistant referee) system.

He added that the question is not about the referees and that it pertains to "the attitude and the bravery and the character."

He called for the truth to be respected and urged FIFA to pay attention to "who is refereeing the games."

Queiroz concluded by saying that it was Iran which should have made it to the Round of 16 and that his team "deserved to win the game" with Portugal.

Ronaldo's teammates will face Uruguay in Sochi on Saturday, while Iran has been knocked out of the tournament.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 14 and will continue until July 15, with matches being played in 11 cities across Russia.