One of the most remarkable last few seconds of an Iran game I’ve ever seen. Khalilzadeh scores a winner 93rd minute sparking absolute scenes but ruled out by a VAR offside (by a toe) decision. Then Ezatollahi hits the crossbar just before the final whistle. Two chances to win an utterly absorbing final group game, both thwarted. Finishes 1-1.
I understand how this team is being disgracefully politicised by the regime in Iran and know the players are being forced to do and say things under duress that makes most Iranians see them as a “regime team”. But from a footballing perspective what I just saw was a team with so much heart they could only be playing for the people. Fact is the longer they stay in the competition the bigger the light is shone on the atrocities the regime has inflicted on its own citizens.
The players know that. They are not stupid. They know the regime is despicable as in an interview one of them said “despite the fact we play under that one flag (the regime flag) we are playing for the people.” The use of the word “despite” slipped in like code was enough for me. Message received.
We now wait if they qualify as one of the 8 best 3rd place teams. From any perspective you see it, would be incredible if they did.
#EGYIRN
@DDGSarah@sepehr_1450 You need to have documentations from a government that hides them and does not allow any international organization or news channels to inspect ! ALSO INTERNET WAS SHOT DOWN AT THAT TIME !