In the politically explosive World Cup game between Iran and the USA, the mood remained peaceful. Fans from both sides greeted each other amicably and only competed with battle chants on Tuesday. Many followers took pictures together and hugged each other. “It’s not a problem, they are friends,” said a young Iranian supporter living in Qatar. And an Iranian from London said: “It’s just a football game.”
Pure emotions and great sportsmanship
Touching scenes also took place on the lawn of the Al Thumama Stadium. The Iranians gave their all for 90 + 10 minutes, but in the end it wasn’t enough. In the heated stoppage time, the Americans had to survive some tricky situations. “The end of the game was madness,” said US coach Berhalter. And so, after the narrow 1-0 defeat, the Iranians fell to the ground in disappointment, some unable to hold back their tears. But the players around coach Carlos Queiroz did not have to remain in their grief for long.
In an example of fair treatment, former Werder Bremen striker Josh Sargent knelt down next to Saeid Ezatolahi, hugged him and offered a few kind words of sympathy. Soon after, US substitute DeAndre Yedlin also noticed the scene, saw the pain on the Iranian player’s face and also ran over to comfort him.
US player with a remarkable statement
US striker Timothy Weah made an emotional statement to US broadcaster Fox after the game: “It’s more than just football. I think the United States and Iran had so many problems politically and I just wanted to show that we are all human and love each other.” Asked about his Iranian opponent Ezatolahi, Weah added: “I just wanted to spread peace and love and show him that we have different backgrounds, we grew up differently. He’s still my family, he’s still my brother and I love him the same way like the boys I grew up with.”
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The United States and Iran are politically hostile. In the state doctrine of the Islamic Republic, the USA is considered the “Great Satan”. The Iranian capital Tehran had said that this game must not be lost.