Iran left a note in the dressing room after the 1-1 draw with Egypt this Saturday (27), thanking Seattle for its hospitality during the World Cup, and expressed disappointment with the result that left its place in the 32nd stage still depending on other results.
The Persian team appeared to have secured an automatic place in the 32-team stage when Shoja Khalilzadeh found the back of the net in stoppage time, sending fans in the stands into a frenzy.
They were left heartbroken moments later when the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
“Perhaps a team can advance from a group, but only through justice and honor can it stand tall in the face of history,” read the handwritten message from the team and released by the Iranian football federation.
“Fair play is not just a line in the rules of football, it is the soul of the game.”
“Thank you, Seattle, for your hospitality, and thank you to all the Iranians… who gave their hearts, their voices and their entire being for Iran,” the note added.
The team left a similar note in Los Angeles after the draw with Belgium in their second game. With three points in Group G, Iran will have to wait until the end of the group stage games this Saturday to find out if they are among the eight best third-placed teams to advance.
Iran had to travel from Mexico to the US for all of its games due to travel restrictions imposed by Washington, although some restrictions were eased before the match. Tensions between the two countries remain latent after months of war.
After the game against Egypt, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi did not mince words in their criticism of the restrictions, with both calling the conditions “unfair”.
“I ask FIFA: do not allow host countries to treat players and national teams the same in future World Cups,” Ghalenoei said.
To pass the stage, the Persians need one of the situations below to happen this Saturday
1) that Croatia does not beat Ghana
2) that Algeria and Austria do not draw
3) that the Democratic Republic of Congo does not beat Uzbekistan
