World Cup epic drama: Iran team was "played" 6 times in 90 minutes, then fell into hell after 150 seconds of stoppage-time frenzy

On June 28 Beijing time, the World Cup group stage concluded. In a key final-round match of Group J, Austria and Algeria tied 3-3. This outcome directly eliminated Asian stronghold Iran from the World Cup knockout rounds.

It is worth noting that despite the match ending in a draw, the two sides together created a dramatic and suspenseful plot, with a breathtaking series of events that continuously challenged the mental fortitude of Iran's football players.

Before this match, South Korea had already been eliminated, leaving only Iran waiting to learn its fate. If Algeria and Austria drew, both would advance together and knock Iran out. Only if one team won would the victor join Iran in advancing.

In the 28th minute, Austria broke the deadlock first. At that moment, Iran saw hope—under that scoreline, they would advance alongside Austria. However, in the 45th minute, Algeria equalized, pushing Iran out of the qualification zone.

In the 55th minute, Austria took the lead again, reigniting Iran's hopes—under that score, they would go through with Austria. But just five minutes later, Algeria leveled once more, sending Iran back to the elimination zone.

Then came the most thrilling moment in stoppage time. In the 93rd minute, Algeria went ahead, and at this point Iran once again saw a glimmer of hope: if the match ended with that score, Iran would advance with Algeria, while Austria would be eliminated.

However, just two minutes later, Kalajdžić scored a dramatic equalizer for Austria. In the end, Algeria and Austria advanced, while Iran was eliminated.

Throughout the entire match, Iran was in a qualifying position for only 24 minutes. Yet their emotions fluctuated with Austria and Algeria's every move, experiencing six major ups and downs, only to rise and fall again, and finally in stoppage time, they endured 150 seconds of extreme joy and sorrow, ending in heartbreaking elimination.