iran: Iran make a statement

England made a spectacular start to their World Cup challenge with a 6-2 thrashing of Iran after Iranian players decided not to sing their national anthem in apparent support of anti-government protests in the country. Ahead of their opening match of the tournament in Qatar’s capital Doha. More than two months of protests in Iran, sparked by the death of a young woman in police custody, are one of the boldest challenges to Iran’s clerical leaders since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iranian state television, during its live broadcast, censored footage of players lining up before the match as the national anthem was played. On the eve of the match, captain Ehsan Hajjafi, who plays in Greece, became the first member of the Iranian team to speak out on the situation from the World Cup at home, “We are with them. And we support them. And we sympathize with them.” Despite a build-up to a game dominated by questions about protests in their homeland, Iran gave England the lead after 35 minutes before 19-year-old rising star Jude Bellingham scored. Gareth Southgate’s side took a 4-0 lead thanks to two goals from player of the match Bukayo Saka and a fine strike from Raheem Sterling, before Iran came back late on through Mehdi Taremi.

England put the result beyond doubt as Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish each netted before Taremi scored a consolation penalty. “We haven’t had our best in the tournament. There was a lot of talk and speculation about our form but we showed everyone what quality we have and what we can do.

Originally published at Pen 18