Iran fall to narrow defeat by United States, eliminated from World Cup

30.11.2022 - 00:33 channelnewsasia.com

DOHA: There always is a tipping point.For Iran, it came in the 38th minute at the Al Thumama stadium on a night which had started with so much promise, but ended in so much pain.Christian Pulisic - the man American fans call “Captain America” - would bundle home a tap-in to give the United States the win and seal their progress to the round of 16.Iran, who only needed a draw as England beat Wales 3-0 in the other group game played on Tuesday (Nov 29) are now headed home after a tumultuous tournament.No team has had to grapple with the inevitable coalescing of sports and politics at this World Cup more than this Iranian side.A popular revolt sparked by the death of young woman Mahsa Amini after her arrest for flouting Iran's strict Islamic dress code has gripped the country for over two months.

Since then, dozens of Iranian public figures, athletes and artists have displayed solidarity with the protesters.It was amid this backdrop that the Iranian players stayed silent throughout the course of their national anthem in their opening match against England last week.However, most players would mumble through the anthem ahead of their second match against Wales, and some did the same against the United States.In a show of solidarity ahead of the match, the US Soccer Federation temporarily displayed Iran's national flag without the emblem of the Islamic Republic, leading Tehran to complain to FIFA, according to state media.The United States and Iran severed formal relations in 1980 and ties were hostile when they met at the 1998 World Cup.

Iran ran out 2-1 winners courtesy of goals from Hamid Estili and Mehdi Mahdavikia, in a victory which was Iran’s first win at a World Cup.Fast forward 24 years, and while the ties were no

Boxing Sporting athletics cup Christian Pulisic Usa Doha Iran Tehran

DOHA: United States coach Gregg Berhalter is “hopeful” Christian Pulisic will be fit to face the Netherlands in Saturday’s World Cup last-16 clash but striker Josh Sargent remains a fitness doubt. Chelsea star Pulisic suffered a pelvic contusion following a heavy collision while scoring the winning goal in Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Iran. The 24-year-old was subsequently substituted and went to hospital following the game for tests.

Iran eliminated from World Cup after narrow defeat by the US

DOHA: There always is a tipping point.

Pulisic ‘day-to-day’ after Iran World Cup injury: US Soccer

DOHA: Christian Pulisic suffered a “pelvic contusion” during the USA’s World Cup victory over Iran but has vowed to be fit for his team’s last 16 clash with the Netherlands. A US Soccer spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday that the Chelsea forward, who was injured while scoring the only goal in the 1-0 win over Iran, was regarded as “day-to-day” fitness-wise. “USMNT forward Christian Pulisic has been diagnosed with a pelvic contusion and his status is day-to-day,” US Soccer said.

Iran World Cup loss sparks despair — and joy from regime critics

NICOSIA: For Iranians, their football team’s World Cup loss against the United States was cause for either sadness or exuberant joy, depending on where they stand on a two-month-old protest movement. Caught between the clerical regime and calls to show solidarity with protesters, the national team pressed near-relentlessly in the second half on Tuesday night but were unable to cancel out a 38th minute opener by the US, resulting in an early exit.

Iran World Cup loss sparks despair - and joy from regime critics

For Iranians, their football team's World Cup loss against the United States was cause for either sadness or exuberant joy, depending on where they stand on a two-month-old protest movement.