Iran's Agonising Exit: So Close to a Historic First

It was the cruelest of endings for Iran. According to Reuters, the team came tantalisingly close to making history by reaching the World Cup knockout phase for the first time, only for a late Austrian goal to snatch that dream away.

The drama unfolded as part of a thrilling final group stage day in Kansas City, where Austria and Algeria eventually shared a 3-3 draw and both advanced. Iran, who needed a different result to go through, were left on the outside looking in after the late twist.

For a footballing nation that has long been knocking on the door of knockout football, this will hurt deeply. The manner of the exit, so late and so sudden, makes it all the harder to absorb.