Joy, disappointment, protests: A view from Egypt-Iran World Cup tie

Seattle, United States – There were goals. There were jubilations and heartbreak. There were raucous crowds, confrontations and comradery. There were protests, politics and Palestinian flags. There was a missed penalty. There was joy. There was disappointment. Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Iran in Seattle at the FIFA World Cup on Friday had it all. Iran is still in contention to qualify as one of the eight best third-place finishers, depending on Saturday’s results. Recommended Stories list of 4 items end of list Wild celebrations among the Egyptian fans erupted outside the stadium after the match, as the country proceeded past the World Cup group stages for the first time. “The feeling is outstanding,” Daniel Salib, who was draped with an Egyptian flag, told Al Jazeera. “After this game, and the game we played against New Zealand , and how we played against Belgium, we absolutely deserve it. So, I couldn’t be more proud of this country and this team.” Egypt survived a late Iranian onslaught that saw Team Melli, as the Iran team is known, hit the woodwork and have a goal chalked off by VAR for offside. Iran also had a penalty saved in the first half, but the entire match was action-packed, going blow-for-blow. Iran supporter Saeed Nassef said he was disappointed with Friday’s result but hopeful that Iran would still make it through to the round of 32, all depending on the results of Sunday night’s games. “The Iranian team did a beautiful job. …