Egypt reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage after holding Iran to a 1-1 draw in their final Group G match.
The Pharaohs took an early lead in Seattle when Mahmoud Saber scored in the fifth minute after Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand spilled Mohamed Salah’s shot.
Iran had an immediate chance to equalise after winning a penalty, but goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved Mehdi Taremi’s spot-kick.
However, Ramin Rezaeian levelled the match soon after by converting from close range following another Iranian attack.
Both teams created chances before the break, with Salah and Trezeguet threatening for Egypt, while Iran continued to attack down the flanks.
Coach Hossam Hassan introduced Omar Marmoush and Zizo to provide fresh energy, while Trezeguet came close to restoring Egypt’s lead before Beiranvand made another save.
Iran also struck the woodwork late in the match as pressure mounted on the Egyptian defence.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Shoja Khalilzadeh appeared to score the winning goal for Iran. After a VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, preserving the draw and confirming Egypt’s place in the last 32.
The Pharaohs will now face Australia at the Round of 32 next Friday after the Socceroos finished second in Group D behind leaders and Hosts United States.
This, is the first time that Egypt has progressed past the group stages at the FIFA World Cup.
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