By Abdulrahman Yahaya
Iran held Egypt to a 1-1 draw in Group G on Friday in Seattle to keep their hope of making the 2026 FIFA World Cup round 32 alive.
Egypt, who had already qualified for the knock-outs, took the lead inside five minutes when Muhammad Salah’s left-footed shoot fell to Mahmoud Saber, who made no mistake in burying it.
Iran responded in the 14th minute through Ramin Rezaein, beating the Egyptian goalkeeper from a tight angle.
The game remained cagey for the most part until Iran hit the woodwork and scored from the rebound in stoppage time. But VAR determined that Khalilzadeh who fired in was offside.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his side have not been lucky with decisions.
“Over these three matches, we did not get the reward for our efforts. Footballing justice was not on our side.”
Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who saved Taremi’s early penalty, said his side will turn their focus to their knock-out game against Australia.
“We will celebrate tonight and then starting from tomorrow we are going to start watching Australia.”
With three points, Iran must wait to confirm if they qualify for the round of 32 among the 8 best third-place teams.
While Egypt who finish second with five points, behind Belgium on goal difference, will play Australia in Dallas on July 3 after they qualified for the knockout phase for the first time. (Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Joseph Edeh