Why Iran’s Late Goal Against Egypt Was Ruled Out For Offside

For a few moments, it looked like Iran had found the goal that would send it through.

In the 93rd minute deep in stoppage time against Egypt, Shoja Khalilzadeh struck the ball into an empty net after a wild sequence inside the box. Iran celebrated like it had just scored the late winner that would secure qualification to the knockout stage as the second-place team in Group G.

Then VAR stepped in.

The goal was ruled out for offside, and at first glance, it was easy to see why the decision looked confusing.