Egypt vs Iran, FIFA World Cup match result: Mohamed Salah-inspired Egypt reach knockouts for first time after draw with Iran

NEW DELHI: Egypt created history by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after playing out a 1-1 draw with Iran in their final Group G match on Friday.The result was enough to send the Pharaohs into the next round as Group G runners-up after Belgium sealed top spot with a 5-1 win over New Zealand.

Egypt make history

Egypt made a dream start and took the lead in just the fifth minute.

Mohamed Salah produced a fine piece of play inside the penalty area before Mahmoud Saber fired the ball through the legs of Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to give Egypt an early advantage.Iran responded quickly, with Ramin Rezaeian scoring the equaliser in the 14th minute to make it 1-1.

Iran made to wait

Iran came close to snatching a dramatic winner deep into stoppage time.Shoja Khalilzadeh found the net in the 93rd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.Had the goal stood, Iran would have secured a place in the knockout stage.Instead, the draw means Iran must wait to learn whether they will qualify for the next round, as they no longer control their own destiny.

Belgium top the group

Belgium finished first in Group G after beating New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver.The result meant Egypt advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in their FIFA World Cup history, while Iran's qualification hopes remain alive ahead of the remaining group-stage matches.