Iran stunned as VAR rules out 93rd-minute winner

Egypt Reach World Cup Knockout Stage for the First Time

TDT | Manama

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Iran were left to rue a dramatic late intervention as Shoja Khalilzadeh’s stoppage-time strike was ruled out in a 1-1 draw with Egypt at Seattle Stadium in Group G.

A tense finale erupted into chaos in the 93rd minute when Khalilzadeh bundled the ball home, triggering wild celebrations among Iran supporters who believed they had snatched victory and second place in the group. However, VAR intervened to disallow the goal, ruling the defender marginally offside with part of his boot beyond the last man in the build-up.

The result leaves Iran on three points and still waiting to discover whether they will progress to the round of 32, while Egypt had already secured qualification but missed the chance to top Group G.

The African giants struck first inside five minutes when Mahmoud Saber’s low effort squeezed through the grasp of Alireza Beiranvand. Iran responded swiftly and were soon handed a golden opportunity to level when Mohamed Abdelmonem brought down Mehdi Taremi in the box.

Taremi stepped up, but Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly and produced a strong save to deny the Iran captain.

Iran did not have to wait long for their equaliser. In the 14th minute, Ramin Rezaeian drilled home from a tight angle after Shobeir had initially kept out Milad Mohammadi’s effort.

Chances flowed at both ends in a lively first half, with Taremi later heading against the post. The Pharaohs, meanwhile, were dealt a blow shortly before the hour mark when Mohamed Salah was withdrawn after appearing to struggle with a knock.

As the game opened up, the Asian side piled forward in search of a winner. Saeid Ezatolahi saw a header crash off the crossbar, while Egypt were forced ever deeper under sustained pressure.

The decisive moment appeared to have arrived in stoppage time when Shobeir misjudged a clearance and Khalilzadeh converted from close range, only for VAR to intervene and rule out what would have been a stunning late turnaround.

There was still time for one final twist, as Ezatolahi again went close with another header against the woodwork, leaving Iran frustrated at the final whistle.