Iran's Late Drama Not Enough as Egypt Advance From Group G After 1-1 Draw

Iran were denied a stoppage-time winner by VAR as they drew 1-1 with Egypt in Seattle on Saturday, leaving their World Cup fate in the hands of other results. 

Shoja Khalilzadeh turned home in a goalmouth scramble late on but the goal was ruled out for offside after a lengthy review, before Saeid Ezatolahi headed against the crossbar in the seventh minute of added time to cap a dramatic finale. 

Egypt finish second in Group G and will face Australia in Dallas on July 3, while Iran must wait to see if their three draws are enough to advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Belgium's win over New Zealand same day had already confirmed Egypt's progression before kick-off, though the result still determined whether they would finish first, second or third in the group.

Egypt made the perfect start when Mahmoud Saber shot through a crowd of players to open the scoring in the fifth minute. Iran hit back strongly and were awarded a penalty, but Mehdi Taremi's spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir. The rebound fell kindly for Ramin Rezaeian, who smashed it home from a tight angle to level things up.

Iran continued to press for a winner and Taremi headed against the bar from a corner in the closing stages, though the referee had already blown for a foul so the effort would not have stood regardless.

Captain Mohamed Salah, who needed just one more goal to equal Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan's all-time scoring record for the national team, was substituted in the 57th minute without adding to his tally.

Iran have now drawn all three of their group games and have never reached the World Cup knockout stage in their history. 

To advance as one of the best third-placed teams, they need at least one of the following to happen: Croatia to lose to Ghana in Group L, DR Congo to fail to beat Uzbekistan in Group K provided Uzbekistan do not win by seven or more goals, or either Algeria or Austria to win their Group J meeting.