Early goals and a saved penalty
The match in Seattle was fast-paced from the start. In the 5th minute, Mahmoud Saber pounced after Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand could only push a Mohamed Salah effort into his path, firing the ball between the keeper''s legs to put Egypt ahead. Iran responded with a penalty in the 10th minute after Mohamed Abdelmonem fouled Mehdi Taremi, but the Iran captain''s effort lacked power and was saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. Four minutes later, Ramin Rezaeian levelled the score, drilling in from a tight angle after Shobeir had already kept out a shot from Milad Mohammadi.
A dramatic finish in Seattle
Both sides had chances to win it late on. Taremi headed against the post from close range in the 89th minute. In stoppage time, it looked like Iran had snatched the win when Shoja Khalilzadeh pounced on a loose ball after Shobeir failed to deal with a cross, but a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside, to the despair of the Iranian fans. Moments later, Saeid Ezatolahi struck the bar from a corner in the final seconds of the match.
A historic advance for Egypt, an anxious wait for Iran
The 1-1 draw meant Egypt reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history, finishing second in Group G behind Belgium. They''ll face Australia in Arlington in the round of 32. For Iran, their hopes of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams now hinge on results in other groups, though they finished the group stage unbeaten.