In a particular context and a tense atmosphere, American players eliminated their Iranian counterparts on Tuesday at the Al-Thumama stadium (1-0). They will face the Netherlands in the round of 16, Saturday.
by Anthony Hernandez (Doha, Special Envoy)
He reigned a funny atmosphere on Tuesday evening, near the Al-Thumama stadium. A heavy, sometimes violent atmosphere, which was not only due to a decisive match between two teams for a qualification in the round of 16 of a World Cup.
In the Qatari night, the United States has torn off in a suffocating climate – outside and on the field – a short and decisive success against Iran, thanks to a goal from their star Christian Pulisic (1-0 ). At the end of the long stoppages of the game, American fans were finally able to make their “USA, USA” could hear, hitherto covered by the very numerous Iranian audiences, who produced a deafening and constant sound level throughout the meeting.
And it was indeed the “boys” – the second youngest team of the tournament, with an average age of 25.15 years – who won the right to face the Netherlands, on Saturday, during the second round. This is a third consecutive qualification in the round of 16, after those in 2010 and 2014. In 2018, American footballers had stayed at home. 2>
attacks at the end of the match
This meeting was not a classic match. First, because these two states have complicated diplomatic relations. But also because of the current context in Iran: since the start of the Iranian women’s revolt, at least 452 demonstrators have been killed and more than 18,000 prisoners, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran.
The Iranian selection players have suffered the consequences since the start of the tournament, their behavior has been watched and they were faced with political questions from foreign media. After staying silent at the opening of the match against England, they also sang their anthem before playing against Wales, then again against the United States. Under the constraint and threats of the regime, if we believe the information from Tehran.
Before the meeting, the Qatari Police Forces patrolled in number. And a funny merry -go -round has taken place. Men approached when Iranian supporters responded to interviews, monitoring the remarks. Faraj, a 61-year-old Irano-American, testifies: “If you look around the stadium, you can see that the Iranian regime has sent many agents here. There are hundreds. We recognize them in the way in which They are dressed and the way they behave. “
The controls were more severe than in the first match, where many Iranians were able to demonstrate their support for women in their country. “For this third match, the authorities are extremely well organized. I had to withdraw my sticker” Women Life Freedom “. But I had another and I gave it it,” says Faraj.
You have 59.98% of this article to read. The continuation is reserved for subscribers.