Back in 1998, Iran stunned America at the FIFAWorldCup Here's how the U.S. can avoid a repeat
, which depicted the harsh conditions of life in Iran. The Iranian embassy announced that “Iran is considering removing its national team from the World Cup in protest against the broadcast of the anti-Iranian film.” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also threatened to pull Iranian players because he did not want them shaking American hands, as FIFA procedure dictated. But the referee, Urs Meier from Switzerland, proposed a sensible solution.
, Iranian defender Mohammad Khakpour said that many families of war victims from the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq conflict reached out to the athletes—detailing at length how significant the match was for them, and begging them to defeat the U.S. “Many families of martyrs are expecting us to win,” forward Khodadad Azizi said before the game.
During the match itself, a few early U.S. shots hit the post. In the 40th minute, a beautiful Hamid Estili header gave Iran a 1-0 lead. “It became very, very clear that for Iran, that was much more than a soccer game,” says Fox Sports commentator Alexi Lalas, a defender on the 1998 U.S. team. “They harnessed that in a way that we didn’t.”
Iran essentially put the game away with a goal in the 84th minute. A Brian McBride goal in the 87th minute gave the U.S. one last hope, but it was too late.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også læse nyheder, der ligner denne, som vi har indsamlet fra andre nyhedskilder.
Sonic Frontiers is 'cornerstone of future Sonic games', says Sonic Team headSonic Frontiers is the 'cornerstone of future Sonic games', just as Sonic Adventure was back in 1998. That's according …
Læs mere »
Murphy pinpoints 'bigger issue' for England than Maguire as he names unsung hero vs IranDanny Murphy insists England have a 'bigger issue' than Gareth Southgate's loyalty to Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire.
Læs mere »
Iran boss Carlos Queiroz confronts BBC journalist after question about protests'Why do you ask these questions? Why? I’m talking with you.' Iran manager Carlos Queiroz has confronted a female BBC journalist regarding a question she asked about ongoing protests in the country.
Læs mere »
Wales receive huge boost ahead of Iran clash as 'key man' passes fitness testWales have been handed a major boost in the build-up to their match against Iran with Joe Allen returning to the side. The Dragons had to make do without the midfielder in their World Cup opening 1…
Læs mere »
Carlos Queiroz confronts journalist after questions about Iran protestsCarlos Queiroz confronted a journalist after his press conference over questions regrading ongoing protests in Iran. Iran manager Queiroz lost his patience following questions by BBC Persia’s…
Læs mere »
To understand America’ future, watch the four mega-statesDividing along ideological lines, California, Florida, New York and Texas offer opposing visions for the country’s direction
Læs mere »