Egypt move into the World Cup round of 32 with concerns eased over Mohamed Salah, after a 1-1 draw against Iran that sealed second place in Group G behind Belgium and left Iran waiting anxiously on other results to learn whether qualification as one of the best third-placed teams is still possible.

Salah came off early in the second half against Iran and was later seen with ice strapped to a left hamstring, yet Egypt boss Hossam Hassan reports that Salah has offered personal reassurance about the issue and believes the injury is minor, although the medical team are still to complete full assessments.

Hassan explained that Salah asked to be substituted, and that Egypt will only know the precise problem once scans are completed, but the head coach sounded upbeat after conversations with the forward and highlighted that Egypt now have some recovery time before meeting Australia in the round of 32.

“Salah asked to be replaced, but we still dont know the diagnosis, he said in quotes carried by Al-Ahram.Since he felt something, it means there is something. He will undergo scans, and we hope for the best. I talked to Salah, and he said hes going to be okay, and its not a big injury. We still have time to talk to the medical staff. I think he will be back. I congratulate all Egyptian people. We dominated possession throughout the game.We qualified for the next round for the first time, and we missed the top of the group only on goal difference.”

Egypt had already secured progress before kick-off against Iran, yet the draw still carried weight, as the Pharaohs achieved passage from the World Cup group stage for the first time, finishing level on points with Belgium but behind on goal difference after three group fixtures.

The contest ended level despite long spells of Iranian pressure, with Egypt converting one of relatively few chances while Iran created 13 opportunities, including a missed penalty by Mehdi Taremi, and thought a stoppage-time winner from Shoja Khalilzadeh had sealed a historic advancement before VAR intervened for offside.

{TABLE_1}

The tight Group G standings underline how important small details became, with Egypt topping Iran despite taking fewer shots, while Belgium edged first place by goal difference; attention now turns to the knockout bracket, where Egypt meet Australia and Iran must hope other groups produce favourable results.

World Cup Egypt vs Iran: Iranian frustration and VAR drama

Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed disappointment with the outcome, stressing that the team produced far more attacking threat than Egypt yet came away with only one point, and that the late VAR decision against Khalilzadeh, based on a marginal offside call, proved especially painful after such an effort.

“There are rules, and it’s all based on technology, I accept that, he told reporters during his post-match pressconference. Because of millimeters, our goal was ruled out. That’s justice. But I’m upset by the bad luck. We conceded from their only real opportunity, while we failed to convert 10 chances.Despite all the difficulties we have faced, I don’t think football justice was on our side today. Let me say how proud I am of my country, my people and this team. It was a fantastic match and I believe everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. We created so many chances and deserved to win. Now, we have to wait and see what happens. I would also like to thank all the Iranian fans, both inside and outside the stadium, for their tremendous support.

Ghalenoei highlighted pride in Iran’s display and supporter backing, but accepted that qualification prospects now depend on results elsewhere, while Egypt focus on preparing for Australia and monitoring Salah’s scan results, hoping the key forward recovers in time for the first World Cup knockout tie in the nation’s history.