Socceroos to Face Egypt in Last 32 After Dramatic Group G Conclusion

The Socceroos’ last 32 opponent is set with Egypt to come next, after a rollercoaster evening in Group G that at different times had the formidable Belgium and the underdog Iran in line to play Australia.

It will be Egypt’s anthem, however, playing alongside Advance Australia Fair in Dallas just before 4am AEST on Saturday 4 July, after the African nation secured a 1-1 draw against an unfortunate Iran to secure second place in Group G.

The dramatic draw featured a missed first half penalty from Iran, though the physical contest came alive in the dying stages.

First Iran striker Mehdi Taremi had a header that hit the bar late in normal time, then a goal from Shoja Khalilzadeh was ruled out by VAR three minutes into stoppage time.

There was still time for another Iranian near-miss as the clock ticked down, when Saeid Ezatolahi hit the crossbar with a header.

An Iran victory would have secured them second place in the group and a last 32 showdown with Australia, their Asian confederation rivals and the nation they defeated in the memorable World Cup qualifier at the MCG in 1997.

Despite the frustration in the match’s late stages, Iran are within touching distance of reaching the last 32 as a third-placed qualifier after their three group stage draws.

For a moment on Friday, the Socceroos were due to face Belgium, as Egypt – who went into the final fixtures on top of the group – appeared to have done enough to secure the top spot.

With Egypt struggling to overcome Iran however, Belgium began to rack up the goals against New Zealand, ultimately winning the match 5-1 and securing top spot in the group on goal difference of plus-four. Egypt finished second, on the same five points, but with a goal difference of plus-two.

For a brief period, New Zealand’s 84th-minute goal shifted the group standings so the Belgians fell back to second on goal difference.

Two late goals, however, to Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers secured top spot for Belgium and a last 32 match in Seattle on 1 July against a third-placed team to be confirmed on Saturday.

The Socceroos will move from their base in Oakland on Wednesday, three days ahead of the match against Egypt.