Iran’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time remain alive, but only just, after a tense 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle.
Amir Ghalenoei’s side experienced a night of frustration, late drama and near misses. Iran thought they had found a winning goal when Shoja Khalilzadeh forced the ball in after a crowded scramble inside the box. The celebrations were huge, with the defender even taking off his shirt and posing with sunglasses, but the moment did not last long. After a long VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, leaving Iran stunned.
There was still time for more heartbreak. Deep into added time, Saeid Ezatolahi rose to meet a delivery and sent his header against the crossbar. It was the final big chance of a match that could have changed Iran’s tournament.
Egypt had already secured their place in the last 32 before kick-off, but they still had plenty to play for, with their final group position not yet confirmed. They made a fast start and went ahead in the fifth minute when Mahmoud Saber fired through a crowd of bodies to give Egypt an early lead.
Iran responded with determination. Mehdi Taremi had the chance to equalise from the penalty spot, but his effort was saved by Mostafa Shobeir. Iran did not have to wait too long, though, as Ramin Rezaeian reacted sharply to a rebound and finished from a difficult angle to make it 1-1.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, who remains one goal away from matching head coach Hossam Hassan’s all-time scoring record for the national team, was replaced in the 57th minute.
Iran also came close before the late VAR controversy, with Taremi heading against the bar from a corner, although the referee had already blown for a foul.
The draw means Iran end Group G with three points from three matches, having drawn every game. Egypt finish second, while Belgium progress as group winners after defeating New Zealand.
Iran must now wait for results in Groups J, K and L to discover whether they will qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Their path depends on one of several outcomes, including Croatia losing to Ghana, DR Congo failing to beat Uzbekistan, or either Algeria or Austria winning their Group J meeting.
Off the pitch, Iran’s campaign has also been affected by travel restrictions linked to the wider political tension involving the United States. Ghalenoei said his team had been treated “unfairly” during the tournament.
