Late drama leaves Iran in limbo: disallowed goal, Taremi’s fury, and Salah’s scare

Late heartbreak for Iran

Iran thought they had grabbed a 2-1 lead in the third minute of stoppage time when Shoja Khalilzadeh turned the ball home, but after a VAR review Szymon Marciniak disallowed the goal for offside. Moments later, an Iranian shot rattled the crossbar. The 1-1 draw means Iran finished third in Group G with three points from three draws and must wait for the remaining group matches to learn if they advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Iranian supporters in Los Angeles went from euphoria to tears.

“As professional players we cannot compete under these conditions. It is neither good nor fair. They did everything to eliminate us. Yes, I think that is what they want.”

Taremi’s blistering attack

After the final whistle, captain Mehdi Taremi delivered a furious monologue, criticizing the tournament’s travel restrictions and the role of FIFA and the United States. He revealed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino had visited the Iranian locker room after the opening match against New Zealand promising to resolve the problems, but "in reality he did nothing." Taremi also complained that the team cannot stay in the match city and must return to their base in Tijuana each time, undergoing repeated security checks.

Salah’s scare and Egypt’s relief

Egypt had already secured progression before kick-off, but a draw was enough to finish second behind Belgium. In the 57th minute Mohamed Salah limped off with an ice pack on his left thigh, causing concern. Coach Hossam Hassan calmed nerves:

“The doctor will prepare a report and do a second examination. I spoke with Salah and he assured me everything will be fine, it’s not a serious injury.”

Egypt now faces Australia in Dallas on July 3, while Belgium’s 5-1 demolition of New Zealand lifted them to the top of Group G.

Referee under the spotlight

Szymon Marciniak’s decisions dominated discussion. In the 11th minute he correctly awarded a penalty after a foul on Taremi, but the Iran captain saw his spot-kick saved. That penalty equalled the all-time World Cup record for most penalties awarded by a single referee, joining Edgordo Codesal and Arthur Ellis. Later, his VAR-assisted offside ruling that denied Iran a last-gasp winner triggered a social media storm, but Polish referee Łukasz Rogowski confirmed the call was correct because the Egyptian goalkeeper had left his line, making the second-last defender the offside reference.

What comes next

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei lamented that his side had not been rewarded for their efforts, saying "football justice was not on our side." Iran, still unbeaten but without a win, now anxiously watches the final group-stage matches. They currently sit sixth in the ranking of third-placed teams, from which eight will advance.