Egypt have booked their spot in the FIFA World Cup’s next round of 32 teams after playing a dramatic 1-1 draw with Iran in their last Group G clash in Seattle, while the Iranians still have a chance to move on to the knockout stage as one of the top third placed teams in the tournament.
The Egyptian team started better, taking the lead after Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made a costly error, which Ahmed Saber was able to exploit and put Egypt ahead.
However, Iran also equalised the score very soon and in the 14th minute Ramin Rezaeian found the equaliser to level the match that had a lot of significance for the knockout stage.
Iran had a golden opportunity to take control by winning a penalty before half-time but captain Mehdi Taremi’s penalty was saved by the brilliance of the Egyptian goalkeeper, giving his side a huge lifeline.
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The second half was tough, both sides were putting their hundred per cent.
Egypt held them back courageously but Iran kept on pressing for the goal that would decide whether they advance to the knockout round.
The drama in the game intensified as Iran considered itself to have made a dramatic victory in the dying moments of the game only to have the goal ruled offside after VAR scrutiny.
A few seconds later, Iran scored off the crossbar as their late goal hopes were dismissed.
Belgium advanced to the knockout stage as the top scorer in Group G after a resounding win over New Zealand, while the Egyptians finished in second place.
Iran finished third and will have to wait and see if their World Cup campaign will continue
Even though they were beaten, Iran was full of fire and put up a very good fight.
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