With the ever-growing tension between the United States of America and Iran, their World Cup fixture today will mean more than just putting the ball into the net and calling the emerging winner. Did you just call the winning country the winner?
How did the two countries come this far?
Days earlier, the Iranian football federation had called on FIFA to disqualify their opponent, the USA, before they meet for the World Cup in Qatar.
This came after the US Soccer Federation (USSF) shared an image of the Iranian flag on social media, which was modified to exclude the country’s official emblem.
Though the post was later taken down, it was alleged that the US had not made up and shared the picture mistakenly and that it was done on purpose, as a sign of solidarity for the women in Iran.
Iranian football coach, Carlos Queiroz, fired back at the US, stating that the country shows solidarity with all forms of humanitarian causes including racism and kids being killed in school shootings.
“But we have solidarity with causes all over the world whoever they are. If you talk human rights, racism, kids dying at schools from shooting, we have solidarity with all. But we bring a smile for 90 minutes, that is our mission.”
The outcome of the World Cup match between USA and Iran might also mean a lot to both countries. The United States must win Iran in order to remain the World Cup tournament. A draw or defeat will send them home, and what will be more humiliating if it comes from Iran?
For Iran, a draw with the USA is all that is needed, unless Wales defeats England good.
Of late, Iran had been on the wrong side of the news in the international community. During a friendly match with Senegal, their players covered their jerseys with black jackets while their national anthem was sung, in solidarity with their women protesting the spate of oppression in their country.
The USA might have taken a cue from the national league.