Iran fans on emotional rollercoaster after FIFA World Cup draw with Egypt

Iranian football fans experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as their national team, Team Melli, drew 1-1 with Egypt in the FIFA World Cup. The result, while not a direct qualification for the knockout stage, keeps alive hopes of reaching the last 32 for the first time in history.

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It was a good game, even though they were unable to prepare properly.

The match, watched by early-rising fans in Tehran, was fraught with tension. Supporters sighed and clutched their heads at missed opportunities, and were stunned when Egypt took an early lead. Their hope surged when Iran was awarded a penalty, only for striker Mehdi Taremi to miss the spot-kick. Defender Ramin Rezaeian eventually equalized, sparking a frenzy among fans.

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I wish they’d played the whole game like the last five minutes.

"I really believe in Team Melli, especially since they didn’t give in after they conceded a goal," said 16-year-old student Amir, watching at the Tehran Book Garden. Leyli, 41, added, "The game’s been good. We really didn’t play badly."

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I really believe in Team Melli, especially since they didn’t give in after they conceded a goal.

Further drama unfolded in stoppage time when Shoja Khalilzadeh appeared to score a winner, but the goal was disallowed. The final whistle left the hall in silence, with some fans reflecting on a familiar sense of "regret over the final moments." The team's preparation was also hampered by the ongoing war in the Middle East and travel restrictions.

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The game’s been good. We really didn’t play badly.