Deep into stoppage time, Iran believed they had produced the defining moment of their tournament.
Following a dangerous free kick, the ball bounced unpredictably inside Egypt’s crowded penalty area. Amid confusion, an Iranian defender reacted quickest, smashing the loose ball into the net from close range.
The stadium erupted.
Players sprinted toward the corner flag.
Substitutes raced from the bench.
Members of the coaching staff embraced one another.
The goalscorer removed his shirt before sliding across the turf in celebration, convinced he had delivered one of the greatest moments in his nation’s recent.
