Egypt reaches World Cup knockouts for first time as Salah injured; Iran's late winner disallowed by VAR
Egypt booked a first-ever World Cup knockout place after a 1-1 draw with Iran in Seattle, while star forward Mohamed Salah limped off with a thigh concern. A stoppage-time Iranian goal was erased by VAR for a marginal offside.
Egypt holds off Iran to secure historic knockout spot
Egypt drew 1-1 with Iran in Seattle to finish second in Group G and reach a World Cup knockout stage for the first time. The result, combined with Belgium's 5-1 thrashing of New Zealand, meant the Pharaohs progressed directly to the last 32, where they will face Australia on 3 July in Dallas. Iran, third with three points, must wait for other group results to see if it advances as one of the best third-placed teams.
Match drama
- Mahmoud Saber scores for Egypt (1-0)
- Iran awarded penalty; Mehdi Taremi's shot saved by Oufa Shobeir
- Ramin Rezaeian equalises for Iran (1-1)
- Mohamed Salah substituted with thigh injury (Zizo comes on)
- Shoja Khalilzadeh goal disallowed after VAR offside review
- Iranian header hits the crossbar
The contest delivered relentless action from the kick-off. Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt the lead in the 5th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after a parried save. Iran earned a penalty six minutes later when Mohamed Abdelmonem was adjudged to have fouled an opponent, but Mehdi Taremi's spot-kick was saved by goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir. The penalty was Marciniak's third in World Cup play, tying the all-time record shared by Edgordo Codesal and Arthur Ellis. Iranian pressure paid off in the 14th minute as Ramin Rezaeian drove in the equaliser from a tight angle. After the break, Egypt created more without converting, and lost star forward Mohamed Salah to injury in the 57th minute. The finale turned chaotic: a stoppage-time goal by Shoja Khalilzadeh was disallowed for offside after a VAR intervention, and moments later an Iranian header rattled the crossbar.
Salah injury concern
Egypt's talisman was forced off with ice applied to his left thigh. Coach Hossam Hassan moved to reassure fans.
Fortunately, the injury does not seem serious. The doctor will prepare a report after we return to the hotel and conduct a second examination. I spoke with Salah, he assured me everything will be okay, that it is not a serious injury.
Egypt will hope the 33-year-old is available for the Australia match.
Group G final standings
- Belgium
- 5
- Egypt
- 5
- Iran
- 3
- New Zealand
- 1
Belgium leapfrogged Egypt into first place thanks to the head-to-head goal difference tiebreaker, leaving both teams on five points. Iran, with three draws, missed a direct qualification slot and now relies on the best third-place ranking table, where it sits sixth of the eight qualifying spots.
What's next for Iran and Egypt
Egypt's reward is a Dallas showdown with Australia on 3 July. Iran's fate hangs on the remaining group-stage fixtures; the team must fly back to its base in Mexico immediately, a travel routine striker Mehdi Taremi has criticised.
I feel sadness, but we hope we can still advance. People always have hope, they must have it.
