Egypt secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Iran, while a stoppage-time VAR decision left Iran’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Shoja Khalilzadeh thought he had scored a famous late winner for Iran in Seattle, but his effort was ruled out for offside following a lengthy VAR review, allowing Egypt to progress as Group G runners-up.
Fast-paced start produces two goals
The match burst into life early as Egypt took the lead in the fifth minute. Trezeguet’s cross found Mahmoud Saber, whose shot travelled through a crowded penalty area before finding the back of the net.
Iran responded immediately and were handed a golden opportunity to equalise when they won a penalty. However, goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir produced an excellent save to deny Mehdi Taremi from the spot.
The setback lasted only a few minutes. Ramin Rezaeian reacted quickest after a rebound inside the box and smashed home from a tight angle in the 14th minute to restore parity.
Iran left heartbroken by VAR
Both teams searched for a winner after the break, with Egypt replacing captain Mohamed Salah in the 57th minute as he missed the chance to equal Hossam Hassan’s national team scoring record.
Iran came agonisingly close in the closing stages. Taremi headed against the crossbar before the referee penalised a foul during the build-up.
The biggest moment arrived deep into stoppage time when Khalilzadeh bundled the ball home after a goalmouth scramble. Iran’s players celebrated wildly, believing they had secured a historic victory, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside after a lengthy review.
Moments later, Saeid Ezatolahi headed against the crossbar in the seventh minute of added time as Iran’s final opportunity slipped away.
Qualification picture
The draw was enough for Egypt to finish second in Group G behind Belgium, who defeated New Zealand 5-1 to top the standings.
Egypt will now face Australia in the Round of 32 on 3 July.
Iran, who finished third after drawing all three group matches, must wait for the remaining group-stage results to determine whether they qualify as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Their hopes now depend on results in Groups J, K and L, with at least one favourable outcome needed to extend their World Cup campaign.
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