VAR wipes out Iran stoppage-time winner as Egypt hold on in Seattle World Cup clash

SEATTLE, United States (AFP) — Iran were denied a guaranteed spot in the World Cup knockout round when a goal deep in added time that would have sealed a 2-1 victory over Egypt was ruled out.

Shoja Khalilzadeh appeared to have settled the contest, firing home after Egyptian defenders could not clear the danger, only for video review to find him offside and halt the Iranian celebrations.

The referee blew for full time moments later, and Iran’s players in white collapsed onto the pitch in shock. On three points, they still have a path forward as one of the eight highest-ranked third-place sides.

Mehdi Taremi had struck the crossbar with a header in the dying minutes of regulation.

Egypt arrived knowing results elsewhere had already secured their first-ever place in the last 32, yet that news did little to soften a bruising encounter in Seattle.

The Pharaohs went ahead in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber. Iran responded quickly, and Taremi earned a penalty five minutes on — but failed to convert from the spot.

Ramin Rezaeian levelled shortly after, finishing from a narrow angle.

Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush entered after the break to sharpen Egypt’s front line. Midway through the second half, his bending effort toward goal was turned behind for a corner.

Mohamed Salah left the field in the 57th minute, visibly frustrated, as Zizo replaced him. The former Liverpool star is still expected to figure when Egypt meet Australia in the next stage.