Twice in 24 hours, Iran’s World Cup dream was snatched away at the last second. Unbeaten in the group stage, Amir Ghalenoei’s side still missed the knockout phase on goal difference – a cruel fate that has few parallels in tournament history.
Iran knew victory over Egypt in Seattle would guarantee a place in the last 32 for the first time. They fell behind early but fought back. Mehdi Taremi had a penalty saved, yet Ramin Rezaeian’s smart finish from a tight angle drew them level. That was how it stayed until second-half injury time, when Shoja Khalilzadeh turned the ball home after a goalmouth scramble. The celebrations were exuberant: Khalilzadeh removed his shirt for a photograph with a pair of sunglasses, earning a booking. Then came the agony. The goal was ruled out for offside – the tightest of calls, with Khalilzadeh’s toe marginally ahead of the penultimate defender. The match ended 1-1.
“Iran missed World Cup knockout stage despite being unbeaten, after two late goals dashed their hopes.”
Iran’s fate now depended on the final group matches. The crucial game was Algeria against Austria. A win for either side would put Iran through. The game swung back and forth and looked set to finish 2-2, which would eliminate Iran. Then, in the 93rd minute, Riyad Mahrez burst clear and put Algeria ahead. For the second time in 24 hours, ‘Team Melli’ were on the brink of qualification. But with just seconds remaining, Austria poured forward and found an equaliser through Sasa Kalajdzic’s header.
And so Iran were left to reflect on what might have been. Two moments of raw drama, two goals that would have sent them through, each wiped away in the final seconds. They finished the group unbeaten – draws with New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt – yet it was not enough. The last 32 beckoned twice and twice slipped from their grasp.