Egypt advance to World Cup knockouts after Iran draw

Egypt reached the World Cup Round of 32 with a 1-1 draw against Iran in their final Group G match at Seattle Stadium on Monday. The result left Egypt second in the group standings as Iran’s late winner was disallowed after a lengthy VAR review. Egypt scored first when Mohamed Salah’s fifth-minute effort was saved by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, allowing Mahmoud Saber to react fastest and finish from the loose ball. Iran equalized in the 14th minute through Ramin Rezaeian, who converted a rebound after Egypt goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir had pushed away Milad Mohammadi’s shot. Although both teams pressed in a largely goalless second half, few clear chances emerged. Iran thought they had qualified when Shoja Khalilzadeh turned in a goal from inside Egypt’s six-yard area, but it was ruled offside, leaving Iran on four points and waiting for other group results.