Heartbreak is to be expected at a World Cup. For every moment of glory, there is a hard-luck story, a nation left to bemoan their misfortune. Yet few compare to the cruel manner that brought Iran's tournament to an end in 2026.
Unbeaten in the group stage, Amir Ghalenoei's side had worked themselves into a position where a place in the last 32 was in their grasp - only for it to be snatched away at the last minute not once but twice.
“Iran missed out on World Cup knockout stage twice in 24 hours - first via disallowed goal, then by last-gasp Austria equalizer.”
After draws against New Zealand and Belgium, Iran knew victory over Egypt in Seattle would put them through. They fell behind early but responded well. Mehdi Taremi had a penalty saved, but Ramin Rezaeian's smart finish from a tight angle drew Iran level.
That was how it stayed until second-half injury time, when Shoja Khalilzadeh turned the ball home after a goalmouth scramble. Exuberant celebrations followed, with Khalilzadeh removing his shirt - for which he was later booked - and posing for a photograph with a pair of sunglasses.
Joy soon turned to anguish as the goal was ruled out for offside. It was the tightest of calls, with Khalilzadeh's toe marginally ahead of the penultimate defender. It finished 1-1, meaning Iran would have to wait to discover if they would progress.
Iran were made to wait until the final matches of the group stage. Algeria versus Austria was the crucial game - a win for either side would suit Iran. An entertaining game looked set to end 2-2, thus eliminating Iran, only for Riyad Mahrez to burst clear and put Algeria ahead in the 93rd minute.
With just moments to go, 'Team Melli' were again on the brink of qualification. But the drama was not done there. Austria piled forward in search of an equaliser and found it through Sasa Kalajdzic's header with just seconds remaining.
For the second time in 24 hours, Iran's delight was snatched from them at the very last. They missed out on a place in the last 32 on goal difference.