Austria's 96th-minute equaliser breaks Iranian hearts

LOS ANGELES: Despite giving it all, luck didn’t favour Iran as the team crashed out of the World Cup at the last moment in heartbreaking fashion. Iran didn’t even lose one game in the tournament as they drew with Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt in all three games.

On Sunday, when Algeria scored a stoppage-time goal, the Iranian camp was in exhilaration as the score suggested that they would qualify for the round of 32. However, the hopes were dashed in heartbreaking style as Austria equalised against Algeria in the 96th minute. The draw opened the doors for Iran’s exit from the tournament.

From the beginning of the World Cup, coach Amir Ghalenoei and other players have complained about the tons of restrictions imposed on the team by the United States authorities. Iran can leave the tournament with its head held high for putting up a valiant fight, despite being treated poorly by the authorities for political reasons.