Iran Left Waiting After VAR Denies Late Winner Against Egypt
Iran suffered a heartbreaking setback in their bid to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Egypt.
Xtratime Web Desk
Iran suffered a heartbreaking setback in their bid to reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Egypt. A stoppage-time winner was ruled out for offside following a VAR review, leaving Iran dependent on results elsewhere to secure a place in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Egypt, who had already booked their place in the knockout stage before the match, finished second in Group G with five points from three games, behind Belgium on goal difference. They will face Australia in the Round of 32 in Dallas on July 3.
The Egyptians made a dream start, taking the lead in the fifth minute. Mohamed Salah's pass found Mahmoud Saber, whose shot slipped through the hands of Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and into the net.
Iran responded quickly. Mehdi Taremi won a penalty, but his spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobier. However, Ramin Rezaeian reacted fastest to the rebound and fired home from a tight angle in the 14th minute to level the score.
After an action-packed opening, the tempo of the game slowed considerably. Both sides were locked in a midfield battle, with clear-cut chances proving difficult to come by.
The drama returned in stoppage time. Taremi's powerful header crashed against the crossbar before Iran thought they had snatched a dramatic winner in the 93rd minute when Shoja Khalilzadeh found the back of the net. Iranian players and coaching staff poured onto the pitch to celebrate what appeared to be the decisive goal.
However, following a VAR review, Khalilzadeh was adjudged to have been marginally offside, and the goal was disallowed. The match ended 1-1, leaving Iran with three points and in third place in Group G.
Iran must now wait to see if their tally is enough to qualify as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams.
The match attracted a large Egyptian contingent in the stands, while thousands of Iranian supporters also turned out in force. Some Iranian fans displayed the country's pre-revolution flag, and boos were heard during the playing of Iran's national anthem.
Local organizers had designated Friday's fixture as a "Pride Match." Although several rainbow flags were visible inside the stadium, the event passed without any significant incidents outside the venue.
