SEATTLE — Egypt booked its place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after surviving a dramatic late scare to secure a 1-1 draw against Iran on Friday and finish second in Group G.
The Pharaohs appeared destined for a nervy finish after Iran thought it had snatched a stoppage-time winner through Shoja Khalilzadeh, sparking wild celebrations from the players and supporters. But video review ruled the goal out for offside, preserving the draw and sending Egypt into the round of 32, where it will face Australia next Friday.
Belgium claimed top spot in the group with a 5-1 victory over New Zealand, while Egypt advanced as runners-up after an unbeaten group-stage campaign.
“We knew we had qualified already, we were sitting at the top of the group,” Egypt coach Hossam Hassan said after the disallowed goal. “I thank God for everything. After this goal was ruled offside, I was very happy.”
Egypt made the perfect start when Mahmoud Saber opened the scoring in the fifth minute after Mohamed Salah created danger inside the penalty area before the midfielder fired a low shot through the legs of Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran had the chance to level six minutes later, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir denied a penalty before Ramin Rezaeian equalized in the 14th minute.
The match remained finely balanced until the closing stages when Khalilzadeh thought he had fired Iran into the knockout rounds with a 93rd-minute strike. An Iranian supporter ran onto the pitch in celebration before security intervened, while Khalilzadeh ripped off his shirt as teammates celebrated what they believed was a historic winner.
Those celebrations proved premature as VAR ruled the defender offside.
The result leaves Iran waiting to discover whether it can still progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
“We’re here to make our own history,” midfielder Roozbeh Cheshmi said. “If our dream comes true, thank God. If not, we are proud of what we have done.”
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei, whose side had three goals ruled out by VAR during the tournament, accepted the decision but lamented his team’s misfortune.
“Technology is justice,” he said. “But I’m upset about our bad luck.”
After the match, Iranian players again voiced frustration over the travel restrictions imposed during the tournament because of the conflict involving Iran.
The team was forced to relocate its base camp to Tijuana, Mexico, before the tournament and initially was only allowed to travel into the United States the day before matches before returning immediately afterward. Restrictions were eased ahead of Friday’s game, allowing the squad to arrive in Seattle two days before kickoff.
“We were treated very, very badly,” Ghalenoei said. “I hope the world becomes aware of these issues.”
Despite the disappointment, Iran’s World Cup campaign remains alive for at least another day while it waits to learn whether its four points will be enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
For Egypt, however, the celebrations could begin immediately as the Pharaohs reached the knockout stage for the first time in their World Cup history.
Source: Saudi Gazette