Egypt booked a place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history after earning a 1-1 draw with Iran on Friday. The result secured Egypt a second-place finish in Group G, while Iran must wait to find out if they have done enough to progress.
Belgium claimed the top spot in the group with a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. The group winners had previously been held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt earlier in the tournament.
Iran still have a chance of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time since the tournament expanded to 48 teams, but their qualification now depends on other results.
Egypt made a bright start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber. Mohamed Salah, the former Liverpool forward, played a key role in the move before Saber fired the ball through the legs of Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran responded quickly, with Ramin Rezaeian equalising nine minutes later to level the match.
The Iranians thought they had snatched a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time when Shoja Khalilzadeh found the net in the 93rd minute. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a video review, denying Iran all three points.
A victory would have guaranteed Iran a place in the knockout stage.
The match, promoted as a “Pride Match” in Seattle, ended with Egypt celebrating a historic qualification, while Iran's hopes of progressing remain uncertain.
PT/ra
