SEATTLE (AP) — It took seven security guards to bring him down as an Iranian fan rushed onto the field to celebrate.
On Friday night, Shoja Khalilzadeh fired a shot past Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobair in the 93rd minute, seemingly giving his team a 2-1 lead, before taking off his jersey before being mopped up by the entire Iranian team.
There were moments of joy, but Iran was confident of advancing to the finals. world cup first time Expanded pool of 48 teams At this year’s tournament.
However, a late goal that could have been the deciding goal was ruled out for offside, allowing Egypt to advance through the group stage.
Iran, on the other hand, will have to wait a day to find out their fate after both teams ended in a 1-1 draw. Egypt will play Australia in the round of 32.
Iran coach Amir Galenoei lamented that his team’s third goal in the tournament was canceled out in a video review.
“Technology is justice, but I’m angry at our misfortune,” Galenoei said in Persian.
In conclusion, What was advertised as a “Pride Match” in Seattle, Neither Iran nor Egypt wanted to participate.the Pharaohs finished second in Group G. Belgium 1-1 draw In the game against Egypt on June 15th, They defeated New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver, British Columbia to win their group.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan was grateful his team did not drop to third in the group, which would have been had Khalilzadeh’s goal been saved.
“I knew I had already qualified. I was sitting at the top of the group,” Hossan said. “I thank God for everything. I was very happy after the goal was ruled offside.”
On the other hand, Iran still has a chance to advance to the final tournament for the first time in this tournament. Expanded pool of 48 teams At this year’s tournament. But after Friday’s game, they were no longer in control of their own destiny.
“We are also here to make history,” midfielder Rauzbe Cesumi said. “If our dream comes true (Saturday), thank God. Even if it doesn’t, we’re proud of our game and our players because of the way we played. We held on for the last three games, so let’s see what happens.”
Egypt took the lead in the opening five minutes with Mahmoud Saber’s goal. Saber fired between the legs of Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand after some strong work from former Liverpool star Mohamed Salah inside the box.
Iran was denied an equalizer in the 11th minute when Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved a penalty, but Ramin Rezean equalized the score in the 14th minute.
After Iran fell just short, players vented their frustrations about a number of complications off the field. The team has endured travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. war in Iran.
in Iran in March They tried to move the group stage matches to Mexico, but has diplomatic relations with. The request to move base camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana was granted two weeks before the team’s arrival.
Galenoei said team members have been confined to their hotel and training facility and have not explored Tijuana in any way. Several team officials and support staff were banned from traveling to the United States with the team.
“We have no hope of recovery and no one in the logistics to help us. We complain about these things all the time, but no one is helping us. Nobody,” said Roozbeh Cheshmi. “As you know, recovery is important. Little things affect football.”
For the first two games, played near Los Angeles, teams were not allowed to travel until the day before and had to return to Mexico immediately after each game. of After that, the United States eased regulations, This allowed the team to travel to Seattle two days before Friday’s game.
Coach Galenoei said the team must return to Tijuana again immediately after Friday’s game.
“We were treated very badly,” Galenoei said. “I hope the world wakes up to these issues.”
However, for a short time, Iran’s disdain surfaced in the aftermath of Khalilzadeh’s near goal. Iran didn’t have a storybook ending to Friday’s match, but they remain alive in the tournament for at least another 24 hours.
“What these young Iranian national team players achieved should be recorded in history,” said Galenoei. “Why? Because the host treated us in the worst way.”
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Associated Press freelancer Mark Moschetti contributed to this report.
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