Egypt reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after securing a 1-1 draw against Iran on Friday, while Iran were left waiting to learn whether they will also advance.
The result saw Egypt finish second in Group G behind Belgium, who sealed top spot with a 5-1 win over New Zealand in Vancouver. Belgium had earlier drawn 1-1 with Egypt in the group stage.
Iran still have a chance of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time since the tournament expanded to 48 teams, but their qualification now depends on other results.
Egypt made a bright start, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber. Mohamed Salah, the former Liverpool forward, played a key role in the move before Saber fired the ball through the legs of Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran responded quickly, with Ramin Rezaeian equalising nine minutes later to level the match.
The Iranians thought they had snatched a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time when Shoja Khalilzadeh found the net in the 93rd minute. However, the goal was ruled out for offside after a video review, denying Iran all three points.
A victory would have guaranteed Iran a place in the knockout stage.
The match, promoted as a "Pride Match" in Seattle, ended with Egypt celebrating a historic qualification, while Iran's hopes of progressing remain uncertain-UNB.
