The Iranian soccer team left a handwritten note thanking the people of Los Angeles, which hosted their first two games of the World Cup, after the team secured a 0-0 draw against the strongest team in their group, Belgium, despite complaints about being treated poorly and their complex travel arrangements in the U.S.
Iran's Ramin Rezaeian hugs goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand after the World Cup Group G match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, California.
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Amid several off-field controversies, Iran took a step towards advancing to the second round of the competition after a “Player of the Match” performance by the goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand helped them secure a 0-0 draw.
Iran is now second in Group G with two draws so far, with one game left against the table toppers, Egypt.
So far, Iran has played two of its group games at the Los Angeles Stadium, and its next match will take place in Seattle.
Despite complaints of mistreatment by U.S. officials, the Iranian Football Federation shared a photo of a handwritten thank-you note that the team left in Los Angeles.
The note thanked the city for its hospitality, with the team noting that it came to Los Angeles with “pride” and is leaving with “dignity.”
“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity. Thank you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes. May Peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations.” The note also included “#168” and “#minab” an apparent reference to the U.S. airstrike on a girl’s school in the city of Minab early during the Iran war, which resulted in more than a hundred deaths.
After their first match of the World Cup ended in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand, several members of the Iranian team and their coach blasted what they said was unfair treatment towards their team. Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei complained that the team was planning to remain in California overnight after their first match as part of their recovery process, but they were forced by officials to return to their home base in Tijuana, Mexico, immediately after the game. Due to the ongoing tensions resulting from the U.S.-Iran war, the Iranian team is staying in Mexico despite playing all their World Cup games in the U.S. Ghalenoei complained his team was not given “time to recover” and said he was “really troubled” after being told they must “leave immediately” after the match.
After Sunday’s draw, Ghalenoei told reporters that “We came into the World Cup under the worst possible conditions. And still, we got a result against a great team and a great manager. We played a beautiful game.”
Iran’s World Cup Team Says It Was Forced To Leave U.S. After First Game (Forbes)
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