The Iranian football team has been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup after missing the chance to qualify for the World Cup’s last 32 by drawing with Egypt and Austria’s defeat of Algeria. They may be going back home, but they’re taking with them the hearts of many, many fans around the world.
After the team’s last match, photos of Iran’s Ramin Rezaeian looking devastated while holding the Superior Player of the Match trophy began to trend online, haunting fans, as did a video of him speaking to the media after.
Heartbreak was the dominant emotion online and who can blame them?
Many decried serious issues like lack of accessibility for teams, referees and fans, calling this the most racist World Cup ever.
There was a lot of talk about the problems Iran faced, like not being allowed to stay overnight in the US and having to travel to and from Mexico for games.
Others took issue with Iranian players being asked about things not related to football at all and wondered why the press wasn’t asking players accused of rape of their thoughts on that.
But despite it all, the Iranian team won hearts and people’s respect
Amidst all the heartbreak, there was some humour though. It is X after all.
What are your thoughts on Iran’s elimination from the tournament? Let us know in the comments.
