FIFA World Cup Group G
In May the Iranian FA confirmed that their team would definitely take part in the World Cup finals subject to guarantees over visas, security and the treatment of players and officials as well as enhanced security at airports, hotels and stadiums during the tournament. To reduce the threat to the team and officials FIFA agreed to allow them to move their base to Tijuana on the Mexican border and commute to all their matches in the USA. Their group includes two of the best teams in Europe and Africa so they faced a tough challenge.
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Belgium
Egypt
Belgium 1 Egypt 1
Seattle
15 June
Having never won a match in the World Cup finals, Egypt were, for a long period, on the verge of creating history after Emam Ashour put them ahead in the 19th minute. The Pharoahs had more chances but could not improve their lead. Just after an hour had been played and twenty seconds after coming on as a substitute, Romelu Lukaku, strode into the box to meet Meunier's cross forcing an error from Mohamed Hany who turned the ball into his own goal from close range.
Iran
New Zealand
Iran 2 New Zealand 2
Inglewood
16 June
On the morning of the match the White House announced that a "Memorandum of Understanding" had been signed with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to bring an end to the conflict. Supporters and opponents of the clerical regime gathered outside the ground but mercifully these protests passed off peacefully. On the pitch Iran came from behind twice to produce yet another draw in this opening round of group matches.
Belgium
Iran
Belgium 0 Iran 0
Inglewood
21 June
Iran sat deep and were impressive in defence, holding off waves of Belgian attacks and they even had the best chance of the first half, a shot on the turn by Hossein Kanani which Courtois did well to save. Iran found the net from an inventive free-kick outside the area after 25 minutes but a lengthy VAR review found Taremi had strayed offside. In the 66th minute Ngoy was sent after failing to control the ball and bringing down Taremi who took advantage and was clear on goal. The boot was now on the other foot as Belgium were forced onto the defensive but Iran could not find a way through. In the final moments Belgium pressed for a late winner but it finished as it began, all square.
New Zealand
Egypt
New Zealand 1 Egypt 3
Vancouver
21 June
Trailing at half-time, The Pharoahs stormed back in the second half with goals from Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet to claim their first ever victory in the World Cup finals and top the group.
Egypt
Iran
Egypt 1 Iran 1
Seattle
26 June
Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt an early lead from close range in the fifth minute. Iran had the chance to equalise from the penalty spot minutes later but Mostafa Shobeir saved Mehdi Taremi's kick. In the 14th minute Mehdi Taremi reacted quickly after Shobeir made another save and scored from a tight angle. In stoppage time Shojae Khalilzadeh's had the ball in the net which would be enough to put them into second place but after a VAR review he was judged to be marginally offside and the goal was ruled out. Iran then hit the bar and in this cruel fashion were eliminated.
New Zealand
Belgium
New Zealand 1 Belgium 5
Vancouver
26 June
Belgium completely overwhelmed the All Whites and clinched the top spot in Group G, ahead of Egypt on goal difference. Leandro Trossard scored once in each half to set his team on their way. Kevin de Bruyne made it 3-0 (66') and in the final minutes there was a flurry of goals. Elijah Just scored for New Zealand in the 84th minute only for Lukaku to restore the Red Devil's lead two minutes later. Saelemaekers put the cherry on top in the fourth minute of added time.
