Match: Iran – E Žalić (22'), Iraq – Adam Nurbakhsh (78', own, CEJ)

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:40:37 +0000

Match Highlights: E Žalić vs. Adam Nurbakhsh – A Breathtaking CEJ Showdown Against Iran (22', Own Goal) In a thrilling encounter where skill and fate collided, E Žalić (Iran) and Adam Nurbakhsh (Iraq) delivered a dramatic mid-game moment that captivated fans across the Middle East and Europe. Degrees of tension pulsed through the stateline when E Žalić leapfired the ball into open space at the 22nd minute—only for the Republic of Iran’s own defense to turn the ball back on the Iranians in a rare and dramatic own goal. ### The Moment That Changed the Game: E Žalić’s Striking Strike At the 22nd minute, E Žalić, Republic of Iran’s dynamic forward, erupted from the right wing with a sharp run into the channel. The ball found its way through a confused moment in Iran’s defensive structure, where a misjudged clearance or missed tackle left Nurbakhsh—playing as Iraq’s exceptional winger—or free enough to unleash a pinpoint strike. Though not scored, the moment stands as a textbook own goal, exposing vulnerability in Iran’s backline.