Egypt Hold Iran 1-1 to Reach World Cup Round of 32 for First Time Since 1934
The Pharaohs are through to the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 94 years after playing out a dramatic 1-1 draw with Iran. Egypt finished second in Group G unbeaten with five points from three matches to book their place in the Round of 32.
Zed FC midfielder Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt the dream start, firing them ahead in the 5th minute. Iran responded quickly and were awarded a chance to equalize from the penalty spot in the 11th minute, but Olympiacos forward Mehdi Taremi missed from the spot.
Iran did level matters three minutes later through Foolad defender Ramin Rezaeian, and the contest remained finely balanced. In the dying minutes Iran thought they had snatched victory when Tractor defender Shoja Khalilzadeh found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
It was heartbreak for Iran and jubilation for Egypt at the final whistle. The Pharaohs now advance to the knockout round for the first time since their World Cup debut in 1934.
