US win a dramatic match against Iran in the FIFA World Cup


US win a dramatic match against Iran in the FIFA World Cup

Christian Pulisic

The United States of America Men’s team, popularly known as USMNT, scored just a goal against Iran to enter the last 16 stages of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Tuesday. Winning 1-0, courtesy of a goal by Christian Pusilic was dramatic in more than one way. Having scored the goal, he was the toast of the Yanks. Later, the star scorer sustained an abdominal injury and was taken to the hospital for observation. Just imagine, he watched the winning moments on television from the bed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Such moments add more spice and drama to a sport that has become so controversial in the deserts of Qatar, where all eight venues in use are breathtaking. Agreed, there have been massive controversies that have rocked this World Cup, some minus the beer froth and some minus “One Love” bands. Out there on the field, USMNT versus Iran had nothing to do with love. It was all about hatred, one-upmanship, and having to win at any cost.

Why? Simply because these two nations hate each other. History dates back to six decades when the United States of America has been involved in more than a slanging match. To be sure, this was one match that the world waited for, not because of just football, but other massive ramifications. In the end, the USMNT showed, they were in better control, at least on the field.

Often, we hear about how sports and politics should not be mixed. For those not well versed in the nuances of sport and politics, it is as inseparable as oxygen and life. Today, each sport is not a sport minus controversies and politics. It could be something as trivial as Cristiano Ronaldo versus Manchester United. It could be bigger, like the US versus Iran, a match that had sports fans, political analysts, and the entire globe glued to TV sets.

ADVERTISEMENT

It was just another match in the FIFA World Cup. Try telling that to the two teams who were engaged in a battle on the lush green football pitch where the two teams were baying for each other’s blood. Mercifully, the match got over without any major issues before social media stepped into overdrive. For the Western media, Iran is a sinful state. No disagreement with that as the Islamic regime under Ayatollah Khameini has taken the country backward by about half a century. It is primitive, barbaric, and cruel towards the women, who we all address as ladies.

The sad part is, women in Iran are an object, not humans. They are used, abused, and maligned. Even when pets are taken out on a leash, there is some dignity. No, women in Iran are treated worse. That is why the recent uprising, since September 2022, has sparked global outrage. None knows if women are being merely harassed or killed. They have moral police that hauls them up and ill-treats them. One such death in custody in September, of Mahsi Amini, 22, has provoked billions. The sense of outrage is palpable.

Related: Adidas ball sensors Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal against Uruguay in FIFA World Cup

Iran players gave it their all despite the problems plaguing their country

Iran national football team
Iran national football team

Protests are massive, there is churning in Iran. Women are fighting, very bravely. All that is getting highlighted but so rigid is the regime, crushing women is so natural for the male chauvinistic Iran men. What is the connection between what is raging in Iran and how the team plays on the football field? Be sure, to step onto the turf and playing is not some robotic action.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sport is passion, sport is emotion. And sport is a commotion when you have so many things weighing on your mind. The world of sport saw how Sri Lanka fought in the Asia Cup cricket this September/October in the UAE despite all the upheavals back home. There was no petrol, and no food, and Sri Lanka as a nation were like a ghost town. For players to put all those thoughts away and play was not easy. The Sri Lankan team showed great poise in still coming up with the goods in white ball cricket.

In the case of Iran, it is far worse. The players are trapped like a pigeon in a cage. They know, if they do well, it is a national duty. And when they lose to the USMNT, it is awful. One will get to know the truth in the coming days as the mindless regime in Iran does not understand football. They are only interested in the politics of the USA versus Iran. 

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz, who tried hard throughout the World Cup to protect the players from politics said after the match that “in terms of commitment, in terms of delivery, in enthusiasm, confidence, they did what was possible.” The coach has done his best to keep the team knitted. Yet, there are so many things he has no control over.

Social media has more people hailing the USMNT win. All kinds of taunts and barks have been aimed at Iran and the US players are being praised sky-high. What one saw in the match was not just football, Americans say that Iran should now call November 29 “soccer day.” After all, that is what is more popular in the US, than football.

ADVERTISEMENT

You can cheer for the USMNT but spare a thought for what kind of emotions the Iran players have to undergo. It’s hell. The true picture may not even emerge when they get back home. Nobody is remembering, they beat Wales. Losing the big match to USMNT has become a nightmare for the Iranians. Do you still want to talk about separating sports and politics?

Also Read: “One death is a death too many” – 2022 FIFA World Cup chief condemns death of ‘reported’ 400 to 500 workers during competition projects