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With the 1-0 loss to USA on Tuesday night time, Iran’s troubled World Cup has reached its finish. In the course of the crew’s temporary run on the event, soccer grew to become a brand new dividing line in a society riven by protest. Some anti-government protesters have been hoping for defeat in retribution for the crew’s perceived pro-regime bias.
In an indication of the tensions, a spat between Iran and the US broke out within the lead-up to the match after Iran referred to as for the US to be ousted from the event for briefly eradicating the logo of the Islamic republic from the Iranian flag on US social media channels.
The Iranian flag has additionally develop into a totemic challenge on the event, the place some have been displaying unofficial flags in protest at Tehran’s crackdown on women-led protests within the wake of the killing of Mahsa Amini.
Friction between the US and Iranian authorities over the doctored flag was not echoed among the many followers, who mingled across the metropolis and at Al Thumama Stadium on Tuesday. The Iranian crowd’s voluble help for the crew was repaid by relentless efforts to equalise within the second half, however to no avail.
“It’s solely our governments who don’t get alongside,” stated Reza Karimi, who had taken the brief flight from Tehran to Doha to soak up his third World Cup in a row. “The folks get alongside OK.”
Iran’s World Cup expertise has been fraught, starting with an obvious protest, as gamers selected to remain silent through the nationwide anthem earlier than the sport towards England. On the subsequent sport, the gamers did sing, prompting accusations that Tehran had coerced a divided squad. Followers within the crowd have been proven in tears.
Talking after Iran’s opening-game loss to England, coach Carlos Queiroz stated the gamers had been beneath huge stress — though he determined to not give specifics — and pleaded for them to be left to give attention to soccer.
“It’s not proper to return to this World Cup [and] ask them to do issues that’s not their duty, that’s not their mission. They’re right here to play for the folks,” he stated. “You don’t even know, behind the scenes, what these children have been residing these previous few days.”
Learn Najmeh Bozorgmehr’s report on how soccer has divided Iran.
One to observe on Wednesday: Thrilling finale for the Group C hopefuls
Some World Cup teams are in impact sewn up after two video games, with the ultimate spherical of matches typically filled with lifeless rubbers. Not so Group C, the place Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia will all be scrapping for qualification on a frantic remaining day.
Argentina’s troubles have been nicely documented. A win on Wednesday towards Poland would see them via, however a draw or defeat would depart the door broad open for Saudi Arabia, who face Mexico of their remaining sport. Poland, with Robert Lewandowski main the road, will probably be a menace.
In addition to pleasure on the pitch, Group C has set the bar by way of ambiance within the stands, courtesy of the various 1000’s of Argentina, Mexico and Saudi Arabia followers who’ve made their technique to Qatar. Whoever goes dwelling will probably be missed.
Learn Simon Kuper’s newest on Lionel Messi’s tranquilo fashion.
Wednesday’s fixtures:
Tunisia vs France, 3pm London time/6pm Doha time
Australia vs Denmark, 3pm London time/6pm Doha time
Poland vs Argentina, 7pm London time/10pm Doha time
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico, 7pm London time/10pm Doha time
Tuesday’s spotlight: No Mané, no downside as Senegal progress
The towers of West Bay, Doha, have for weeks been draped in huge pictures of the anticipated World Cup heroes. Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer and Neymar all have their spots. So does Sadio Mané, Senegal’s talisman.
Due to damage, the Bayern Munich ahead will probably be absent from all the event — a critical blow to the hopes of the African champions. But the crew has made it out of the group, following a 2-1 victory on Tuesday over Ecuador. Targets got here from Watford winger Ismaila Sarr and Chelsea’s £33mn centre again Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Lions of Teranga will go on to face the Lions of St George’s Park: England. It’s right here that Mané’s absence is prone to be felt extra keenly.
Full outcomes:
Netherlands 2 Qatar 0
Ecuador 1 Senegal 2
Iran 0 USA 1
Wales 0 England 3
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