US, Iran Exchange Strikes, Raising Fresh Fears Over Middle East Truce

Iran were denied an automatic place in the World Cup knockout stage after a stoppage-time winner against Egypt was ruled out for offside, forcing the teams to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Shoja Khalilzadeh thought he had sealed a dramatic victory when he fired home after Egypt failed to clear the ball inside the box. However, VAR intervened and disallowed the goal for offside, silencing the Iranian celebrations.

The final whistle blew moments later, leaving Iran's players collapsed on the pitch in disbelief.

Despite the setback, Iran remain in contention to reach the last 32 as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams, having finished the group stage on three points.

Mehdi Taremi also came agonisingly close to snatching victory late on, heading against the crossbar in the closing minutes of normal time.

Egypt had already secured a historic first-ever place in the World Cup knockout rounds before kick-off, thanks to results elsewhere, but that did little to reduce the intensity of a fiercely contested match in Seattle.

The Pharaohs made a flying start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber, who calmly slotted home.

Iran responded strongly and had an immediate opportunity to equalise when Taremi won a penalty five minutes later, only to see his spot-kick saved.

The equaliser arrived shortly afterwards, with Ramin Rezaeian squeezing a finish in from a tight angle.

Egypt introduced Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush at half-time to add fresh attacking impetus, and he nearly made an instant impact when his curling effort was deflected behind for a corner.

Mohamed Salah was substituted in the 57th minute and appeared frustrated as he made way for Zizo, though the former Liverpool star is expected to play a key role when Egypt take on Australia in the Round of 32.