Iran's World Cup hopes hanging by a thread after heartbreak against Egypt

Full throttle from the first minute, we only had to wait a handful for our first goal - a stabbed finish from Mahmoud Saber.

A penalty miss followed from the Iranians, but they were level soon after - Ramin Rezaeian finishing from the tightest of angles.

This had all the feelings of a knockout game, which it was in all but name for Iran. A defeat in Seattle would see them head home, made to wait at least another four years for their first-ever trip to that stage of a World Cup.

With that intensity from both sides, it made the match end-to-end, with tackles flying in and the referee only too happy to brandish yellows. Alongside a cacophony of noise inside Seattle Stadium, it made for compelling viewing.

For Egypt, heading into the World Cup, they had never won a game since their first appearance in 1934. That was also the last time they had played a knockout game at this tournament. With history beckoning for either side, the second half was tense. 

Neither side forced the keepers into a difficult save, and no one was able to stamp their authority on the encounter.

An ending for the ages

Never has ‘toeing the line’ ever had such dire consequences. Iran pushed forward late searching for a goal that would take them through, and Khalilzelah thought he had it. The stadium erupted, the bench and one spectator invaded the pitch to celebrate wildly. But, VAR had other ideas. By the barest of margins, his little toe was offside. It was the turn of Egypt’s bench to be ecstatic.

It was a rollercoaster in stoppage time. On top of the disallowed goal, Iran would hit the bar for the second time in the match, a whisker away, again from winning the game.

Ultimately, they fell just short. With all that has been thrown at them over the last few months. From Turkey to Tijuana, and finishing in Seattle, they were applauded roundly by those left in the stadium after the final whistle.

It’s easy to forget, amongst all of the football, just what their journey has been at this World Cup. Just months ago, it wasn’t confirmed that they would be here after their nation’s war with the USA and Iran.

Their World Cup base was moved to Mexico, extending their travel to and from games. Until their final fixture in the north west, they weren’t allowed to be in the city until hours before kick-off, hindering their preparation. Their delegates were not allowed to enter the USA, watching the match in a hotel lobby back at base in Tijuana. 

This team showed resilience, but lacked the quality to see them over the line. Now their fate is in the lap of the gods but their chances of progression are incredibly slim.

Millimetres from the final 32, it will feel like miles.