There was much pregame fanfare outside Seattle Stadium for the Group G clash between Egypt and Iran. Fans from both countries were filled with pride, no pun intended, for their respective sides and countries. Nationalism and football were on display.
PRIDE MATCH DESIGNATION
The off-field designation of the match caused much consternation for both coaches and players. The City of Seattle has long claimed to be a world-class city that values inclusion and diversity. As a result, local organizers have designated the game as a Pride Match because it falls on the Friday before Pride Weekend, which celebrates diversity and the LGBTQ+ community.
ON FIELD ENERGY
The energy from the crowd had a dramatic impact on the teams, as both started on the front foot, looking to get the early goal on their way to winning the game and the Group. Both sides were pressing, and it was Egypt that found the early break on the counter that ended with the fastest World Cup goal in Egyptian history. Mahmoud Saber’s left-footed blast in the 5th minute was sheer brilliance. Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand made an initial save on Mohamed Salah’s shot, but was in a poor position as Sabers’ shot went between his legs and into the goal for the 1-0 lead and dream start.
CHANCE TO CLAW BACK
It looked like Iran had an immediate answer three minutes later, when it was awarded a penalty after a late challenge by centerback Mohamed Abdelmonem on Iranian center forward Mehdi Taremin. The keeper saved Taremin’s penalty, Mostafa Ahmed Shoebeir. The Iraninas were undeterred by the miss and kept their resolve. That resolve and determination paid off in the 14th minute: Milad Mohammadi shifted onto his right foot, unleashed a shot that forced a save by Shobeir, who parried the ball out to Rezaeian, who followed up with the game-tying shot.
DEHYDRATION BREAK CAUSES A BREAK IN THE FLOW
There was a dehydration break in the 31st minute The break slowed both teams down. There was a lack of sustained possession. In the 33rd minute, Iran continued to push up and had several intricate touches just outside the Egyptian goal box that lacked a final touch. The interplay put the Egyptian defense on it’s heals.
To tip the game in their favor, the Egyptians went to a high press and tried to pin Iran in their defensive half. The plan worked, as the Egyptians won a corner in the 39th minute after a slalom by left wing Trezeguet. The corner was wasted, but the Egyptians continued their attack on the Iranian defense. Iran had a late chance before the end of the half with Nemati’s left-footed swing that found the head of Khalizadeh, who headed the ball wide of the goal. The half ended in a 1-1 deadlock.
SECOND HALF ENERGY
The second half started with the Pharaohs on the front foot and Team Melli’s in a low block. With the Lions’ share of possession, the Egyptians used width to attack the Iranian defense, which was steadfast and packed in. For all of their possession, 61% to 39%, the Egyptians had four corners but managed just one shot on target.
The unexpected turn in the latter part of the game was that Iran had several chances to put the game away. The first opportunity came in the 88th minute, when a left-wing corner found the head of Taremi, who headed the ball into the crossbar. The heartbreak for Iran came in the 3rd minute of stoppage time. A scramble for the ball inside the Egyptian goal box was picked up by Khalilzadeh, who rifled it into the back of the net for what appeared to be the game-winner.
HEARTBREAK
A VAR review disallowed the goal due to an offside. The Iranian’s third and final heartbreak came in the 7th minute when the ball hit the crossbar after hitting midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi’s shoulder. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Due to the goal differential, Belgium won the group, and Egypt placed second. Iran will have to wait until Sunday’s results to determine whether they will advance to the knockout stage.
SIDE NOTES
Mohammed Salah was subbed off in the 57th minute due to a leg injury. The injury is not considered serious, and Salah should be ready for the team’s knock match in Dallas, according to Egyptian head c Hossam Hassan
EGYPT STARTNG LINE UP
- Egypt advances to the knock-out stage after a 1-1 draw with Iran
- US MNT closes out Group play with 3-2 loss to Turkiye
- Bosnia-Herzegovina defeats Qatar 3-1, and will likely play the USA in the round of 32
- Cristian Roldan’s Injury Update Ahead of Turkey Match
- Dominique Malonga scores career high 37 points, Storm lose 11th straight
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