Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A last-gap goal from Iran overturned as they barely finished second in Group G – but their first progress into the World Cup knockouts could still be achieved after their dramatic 1-1 draw with Egypt.
Shoja Khalilzadeh’s leg appeared on offside review just before the game when he pounced on the rebound in injury-time to spark wild celebrations in Seattle.
Iran were inches away from securing a famous victory again in the 97th minute, when Saeed Ejatolahi headed over the bar from a corner.
With all the challenges this squad has battled on and off the pitch at this World Cup, it would have been an incredible story if they had snagged automatic progression to the last-32.
Instead, Egypt – down to 10 in the last minute due to injuries – finished second in Group G. Belgium took the top spot with a 5-1 win against New Zealand. Egypt now face Australia in Dallas.
At the full-time whistle some of the Iranian players had tears in their eyes, as exhausted players, coaches and fans from both sides collapsed to digest the action that had unfolded.
Players from both teams collapsed on the floor after the World Cup Group G match between Egypt and Iran
But Iran are still likely to advance as one of the best third-placed teams – unless Algeria both earn at least a point in their final games and DR Congo win.
In a game that started at 100mph, Mahmoud Saber benefited from a mistake by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand and Ramin Rezaian equalized shortly after Mehdi Taremi’s penalty was saved, right up to the final kick. Still, there could be more twists to come for both Egypt and Iran at this World Cup.
Joy from despair for Iran
Iran’s Shoja Khalilzadeh scored a late goal that was eventually ruled out for offside
Egypt celebrated as Iran’s late goal was disallowed
What does the result mean?
Highlights from Seattle…
-
5: Goal! Keeper Mohamed Salah pushed a deflected shot into his path after Mahmoud Saber shot through the legs of Alireza Beiranvand.
-
12: Penalty save! Mustafa Shobeir went the right way to save Mehdi Taremi’s penalty after Mohammad Abdelmonem kicked the Iran captain in the box.
-
14: Goal! Milad Mohammadi’s shot is brilliantly blocked by Shobir, but Ramin Rezaian is there to slam home the rebound from a tight angle.
-
34: Over! Rezaian equalized by firing over the bar from a good chance inside the box.
-
45: Off! Khalilzadeh nodded as Iran pushed for a second just before half-time.
-
49: Shot! Good play from Mohamed Salah to find Trezeguet in the box but his shot is straight at Beiranvande.
-
57: Sub! Salah was substituted with less than an hour on the clock. Rest captain for knockout? He immediately got some ice for his hamstring.
-
89: Close the bar! Taremi rose to meet the first corner of the night and nodded against the woodwork – but Shobir was fouled by Mohammadi’s challenge. Could VAR have reversed it?
-
90+3: Goal out! Khalilzadeh’s goal was disallowed when Mohammadi’s shot was blocked and he was ruled offside.
-
90+7: block! Yasir Ibrahim threw himself in the way of Regine’s goal-bound blast from inside the box.
-
90+7: Close the bar! Said Ejatolahi met the cross from the resulting corner but headed against the bar.
Analysis: Iran’s players show character amid World Cup challenge
Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:
Iran were allowed to travel to Seattle from their Mexico base two days before their final Group G game with Egypt. There was a marginal relaxation of strict rules barring Iranian nationals from the World Cup amid tensions with the United States in the Middle East.
But from Iranians standing during the national anthem in protest of the regime in their homeland was a reminder that this is a situation unlike any other. For them, this match should not be inches away from a famous victory in the last minute.
A first-ever appearance in the World Cup knockouts could still be achieved, their third-place finish could be enough. The fight, spirit and moments of quality shown by Iran’s players despite all the challenges deserved that award.
Egypt’s early opener and their response to Mehdi Taremi’s subsequent penalty miss showed great character. So did their late surge, when they were looking at their feet late in the second half and seemingly wondering whether to settle for a point. They pushed for a dramatic winner – and so almost got it.
Hassan: Salah told me he is fine
Mohamed Salah was substituted in the second half
boss of egypt Hossam Hasan After replacing Mohamed Salah in the second half, he eased concerns over his fitness.
“I spoke to Salah and he said he will be fine, and it’s not a big injury,” Hassan said. “We still have time to talk to the medical staff.
“I think he will be back, and when I spoke to Salah he assured me that he will be fine.”
Hassan said Salah would be assessed further when Egypt returned to their hotel.
Iran’s boss hits out at US
Coach of Iran Amir is gone Criticized the travel ban imposed during their time in the US amid tensions between the two countries, saying: “The host country has treated us very unfairly.
“If the host country had allowed us to come two weeks earlier to be more prepared, we would have been in better shape physically, mentally. However, they denied us that justice.
“I urge FIFA: don’t let hosts treat players and teams the same way in future World Cups.”
Iran traveled from Mexico to the United States for their group games, but their time in the country was limited before and after the matches.
