Iran face an anxious wait to see if they will progress to the World Cup knockout stage after they came from behind to hold Egypt to a 1-1 draw, which ended dramatically with an apparent last-ditch Iranian winner ruled out for offside.
Friday’s game was also designated the “Pride Match” by local organisers, and a number of rainbow flags could be seen inside the stadium, though the game passed without incident off the pitch.
Egypt broke the deadlock after a slick move with Mohamed Salah at its centre as his trademark left-footed attempt eventually fell to Saber, whose tame effort slipped through Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. Iran were unfazed, though, and Taremi almost immediately won a penalty that was well saved by Mostafa Shobeir. The Egypt goalkeeper then produced another diving stop, only to see Rezaeian equalise on the rebound.
Pinball in the box in added time ended with Khalilzadeh firing home to seemingly send Iran through to the Round of 32, but the goal was ruled out and Team Melli’s fate was no longer in their hands.
Had the goal counted, Iran would have clinched a berth to the knockout round. Iran could still advance to the knockout round for the first time in the expanded 48-team pool at this year’s tournament. But, they no longer control their own destiny after Friday’s game.
