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Cyrano

(15,041 posts)
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:00 PM Nov 2022

Many Americans are rooting for Iran to beat USA in FIFA. Me too.

Iran is currently in a countrywide uprising against their fascist government. Iranians want freedom and they're putting their lives on the line just by demonstrating.

The Iranian soccer team has been trying to spread the message of the "rebellion" to the rest of the world. They're trying to be low-keyed about it, but in truth, they're putting their lives on the line by the "subtle" messages they've been sending. Given what they've done so far, they could all be executed when they return home. (They won't sing the Iranian national anthem, or display the icon of their government on their flag.)

The longer they can continue to advance in FIFA, the longer they can push their plea and message to the world to help Iranians gain their freedom from a vicious, brutal regime. And they deserve all the help they can get.

A democratic Iran is in the best interest of America and the entire world. Thousands of Iranians have already been murdered because they were just suspected of taking part in the rebellion. Balance that against the USA losing a soccer game. They'll just go home with many people disappointed. If the Iranians lose, they can go home to almost certain torture and/or death.

109 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Many Americans are rooting for Iran to beat USA in FIFA. Me too. (Original Post) Cyrano Nov 2022 OP
I am rooting for the US. No one in the world stage is unaware of what is happening in Iran, and JohnSJ Nov 2022 #1
+1. The Iranian team has already made their point Takket Nov 2022 #26
Not a fan of this particular sport. Honestly don't see how people can watch the whole game Walleye Nov 2022 #2
most popular sport in the world, two 45 minute halves with no commercial breaks is a strain ZonkerHarris Nov 2022 #30
The NFL is the most kairos12 Nov 2022 #50
And lots of expensive equipment Walleye Nov 2022 #98
Just me but I hate soccer more than any sport Tribetime Nov 2022 #55
Well it was a good game, I was chewing my fingernails Walleye Nov 2022 #80
Dominating 1-0 ??? MichMan Nov 2022 #92
They had possession most of the time in the first half Walleye Nov 2022 #97
Tides change quickly sarisataka Nov 2022 #3
Rooting for the US team. And rooting for the protesters in Iran. emulatorloo Nov 2022 #4
Yesterday's press conference... jcgoldie Nov 2022 #5
+++ emulatorloo Nov 2022 #6
The Iranian press is the equivalent of Fox "news." Cyrano Nov 2022 #8
Tyler Adams ✅👍🇺🇸 underpants Nov 2022 #22
He was really classy jcgoldie Nov 2022 #29
At least he learned how to pronounce Iran. BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #45
It was a stupid criticism jcgoldie Nov 2022 #86
I didn't think it was stupid, but I agree that his response was humble and yes, classy. BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #96
I cheer on CONCACAF teams malaise Nov 2022 #7
I never root against my own country. Wingus Dingus Nov 2022 #9
Nor I, although I can imagine circumstances... Shrike47 Nov 2022 #10
It's a fucking soccer game Cyrano Nov 2022 #11
Lighten up. Everyone at DU supports the Iranian people and protesters. It is not DU's fault that emulatorloo Nov 2022 #12
You're right. I assumed that many DUers knew Cyrano Nov 2022 #14
Clearly DU does indeed know what is going on in Iran w the egregious crackdown on protesters. emulatorloo Nov 2022 #19
Too bad an Iranian reporter decided to a lecture some "ignorant African American"... BradAllison Nov 2022 #64
I don't like nor care about soccer. But I can never find it in my heart Wingus Dingus Nov 2022 #13
There really isn't. Takket Nov 2022 #27
.... MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #28
Wow 48656c6c6f20 Nov 2022 #33
Nahhh, if it bothers you that much, I'm enjoying it. BradAllison Nov 2022 #62
I don't either. GO USA! 🇺🇸 underpants Nov 2022 #21
Especially in soccer. Dr. Strange Nov 2022 #31
Well, I have a dual citizenship, so usually I'm rooting against one of them lol. BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #49
I wonder if any of the Iranian team Mr.Bill Nov 2022 #15
Most have families in Iran. And they are the ones who will pay the price. Cyrano Nov 2022 #16
Of the 25 members of the Iranian team sarisataka Nov 2022 #18
Thanks for the clarification! emulatorloo Nov 2022 #20
I like the games as well as the Olympics. The human interest stories are interesting. Marcus IM Nov 2022 #17
Spoiler malaise Nov 2022 #23
Hope so! USA for the win! jimfields33 Nov 2022 #37
Yeah, ummm, NO!!! MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #24
What? Oh no. Sunsky Nov 2022 #25
Let me tell you what disappoints me about this thread Cyrano Nov 2022 #32
We can chew gum and walk at the same time, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #35
You seem shocked. Marcus IM Nov 2022 #40
Not shocked. Disappointed. Cyrano Nov 2022 #48
Yep. n/t Marcus IM Nov 2022 #52
Republican "patriotism"? MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #53
Don't let Republicans hog patriotism treestar Nov 2022 #90
Cheering for the US Soccer team is Republican patriotism? Ace Rothstein Nov 2022 #91
What does "Democratic Patriotism" look like? Wingus Dingus Nov 2022 #100
The US doesn't give a flying fuck about democracy in Iran or malaise Nov 2022 #47
What is Jamaica's stance on these issues? BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #70
Let me see malaise Nov 2022 #74
One of the main reasons Iran is as it is now is the US. Operation Ajax, the 1953 CIA coup against Celerity Nov 2022 #101
THIS malaise Nov 2022 #103
I agree. H2O Man Nov 2022 #95
What's funny is that on any given day I can sign on to DU and see a dozen threads about how many BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #54
Not me. MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #56
Absolutely. I know that about you. BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #66
+100. MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #68
You could include yourself in that if you were honest. BradAllison Nov 2022 #60
I haven't equivocated one little bit about that. Ok, Brad? BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #65
That's not true at all, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #71
Thank you for that. BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #77
That doesn't mean they want to root for Iran treestar Nov 2022 #76
Well yeah, I gotta give you that! BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #78
I had the pleasure of visiting Iran while in the Marines back in the early '70's, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #81
What's going to happen to the Iranian team? sarisataka Nov 2022 #57
Counterpoint: TheProle Nov 2022 #75
Yes, they were put on notice sarisataka Nov 2022 #85
Dude, your "edgy" take didn't work out for you BradAllison Nov 2022 #59
Wow, really? Can't just respectfully disagree with the OP? BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #67
Reporting already? BradAllison Nov 2022 #69
Lol, I haven't reported a thing dearest. BlackSkimmer Nov 2022 #72
Having empathy for the country doesn't mean you need to treestar Nov 2022 #87
If they've been spreading the message and not singing the anthem nini Nov 2022 #34
Yeah, But! They're willing to take the risk to spread the word Cyrano Nov 2022 #39
I would and did in my own way. MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #41
I agree with that and admire them for it nini Nov 2022 #42
Travesty! I'd never root against America ever. Even in a stupid game. jimfields33 Nov 2022 #36
I guess your thread wasn't as popular as you thought it would be. MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #38
Kick. Marcus IM Nov 2022 #44
The Iranian team can still defect even if they lose to the USA FakeNoose Nov 2022 #43
I want the USA to beat Iran 10-0 Locutusofborg Nov 2022 #46
what does winning the match have to do with it? treestar Nov 2022 #51
Fuck Iran BradAllison Nov 2022 #58
Honestly, the US isn't going to win the World Cup... Tommy Carcetti Nov 2022 #61
Probably Brazil or France BradAllison Nov 2022 #63
That being said... Tommy Carcetti Nov 2022 #84
I don't understand the game. OAITW r.2.0 Nov 2022 #88
It's simple... brooklynite Nov 2022 #93
The Iranian players were barely mouthing their national anthem today. Ilsa Nov 2022 #73
USA wins! Mossfern Nov 2022 #79
Spoiler malaise Nov 2022 #82
USA Wins!!! 1 - 0 beaglelover Nov 2022 #83
Good riddance to Iran. brooklynite Nov 2022 #89
What an ill-informed post Tarc Nov 2022 #94
it's the World Cup the US just advanced in, FIFA is simply the global footballing governing body Celerity Nov 2022 #99
Pulisic has four days to recover. brooklynite Nov 2022 #102
He has an abdominal injury and is getting scans. If he tore a muscle he is done for the WC, and Celerity Nov 2022 #104
This message was self-deleted by its author Celerity Nov 2022 #105
President Biden disagrees... brooklynite Nov 2022 #106
See: Anti-regime Iranians celebrate World Cup exit to US in solidarity with protests muriel_volestrangler Nov 2022 #107
This is a significant misreading of the situation. Renew Deal Nov 2022 #108
You got 1 rec on your thread, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2022 #109

JohnSJ

(92,219 posts)
1. I am rooting for the US. No one in the world stage is unaware of what is happening in Iran, and
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:10 PM
Nov 2022

regardless of how far Iran advances in the games, that will NOT change what the government in Iran does.

and in fact I would argue that the U.S. winning against Iran, would bring more focus on the events in Iran than the reverse, because the Iranian government would use it for propaganda purposes.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/27/football/iran-us-flag-protesters-klinsmann-2022-world-cup-spt-intl






Takket

(21,577 posts)
26. +1. The Iranian team has already made their point
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:58 PM
Nov 2022

And portraying their possible advancement as something that could help the oppressed back home is silly. If advancing or even winning would somehow lead to their theocracy being overthrown I would do it but it just won’t.

USA all the way. No glory and gloating for the ayatollah.

Walleye

(31,028 posts)
2. Not a fan of this particular sport. Honestly don't see how people can watch the whole game
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:12 PM
Nov 2022

But it looks to me like the US is dominating pretty well, am I wrong?

ZonkerHarris

(24,229 posts)
30. most popular sport in the world, two 45 minute halves with no commercial breaks is a strain
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:06 PM
Nov 2022

to most short attention span Americans.
Baseball throw a few pitches go to commercial
Football run 3 plays go to commercial
Doesnt tax a viewer too hard

Walleye

(31,028 posts)
80. Well it was a good game, I was chewing my fingernails
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:03 PM
Nov 2022

I’ve just never like the idea of a game where you hit the ball with your head

sarisataka

(18,663 posts)
3. Tides change quickly
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:14 PM
Nov 2022

Just over a week ago, there were calls to eject Iran from the World Cup. Now we are cheering for them.

Out of curiosity, what are you basing your assertion "Many Americans are rooting for Iran" on?

emulatorloo

(44,131 posts)
4. Rooting for the US team. And rooting for the protesters in Iran.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:16 PM
Nov 2022

I hope the Iranian team is safe when they return to Iran but I fear they won’t be, given the heinous theocracy they live under.

jcgoldie

(11,631 posts)
5. Yesterday's press conference...
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:17 PM
Nov 2022

In which the Iranian press projected a barrage of completely unfair criticism upon American players and coach disabused me of any sympathy for the Iranian team today. I hope the Americans beat them.

emulatorloo

(44,131 posts)
6. +++
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:19 PM
Nov 2022

I do have some empathy with the team members if they are trying to do a subtle protest, but definitely not for the egregious theocratic government and their propaganda arm.

Cyrano

(15,041 posts)
8. The Iranian press is the equivalent of Fox "news."
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:20 PM
Nov 2022

It's owned by the rulers of Iran, those that the population is trying to overthrow.

jcgoldie

(11,631 posts)
86. It was a stupid criticism
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:08 PM
Nov 2022

How many players would pronounce opposing country names accurately? Should Mexicans be offended because foreigners do not say Meheeco?

Nonetheless his response was humble and classy.

 

BlackSkimmer

(51,308 posts)
96. I didn't think it was stupid, but I agree that his response was humble and yes, classy.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 06:08 PM
Nov 2022

He handled that well.

Cyrano

(15,041 posts)
11. It's a fucking soccer game
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:25 PM
Nov 2022

The Iranian players have a different goal. Not winning a game, but advancing as far as possible to keep their message and their cause on the world stage as long as possible.

To be as blunt as possible, this isn't about painting your face and shouting USA, USA, USA. There's something bigger at stake here.

emulatorloo

(44,131 posts)
12. Lighten up. Everyone at DU supports the Iranian people and protesters. It is not DU's fault that
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:31 PM
Nov 2022

your OP isn’t clearly written and/or completely logical.

I suggest you re-read JohnSJ’s reply to you above. He lays out very clearly why your OP may be ill advised:

I am rooting for the US. No one in the world stage is unaware of what is happening in Iran, and

regardless of how far Iran advances in the games, that will NOT change what the government in Iran does.

and in fact I would argue that the U.S. winning against Iran, would bring more focus on the events in Iran than the reverse, because the Iranian government would use it for propaganda purposes.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/27/football/iran-us-flag-protesters-klinsmann-2022-world-cup-spt-intl


Cyrano

(15,041 posts)
14. You're right. I assumed that many DUers knew
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:41 PM
Nov 2022

what was going on in Iran and how their team is really putting their lives on the line by publicly siding with those fighting the fascist government.

I didn't really think I'd need to give a lesson on current world politics on DU. Evidently, I was wrong.

emulatorloo

(44,131 posts)
19. Clearly DU does indeed know what is going on in Iran w the egregious crackdown on protesters.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:47 PM
Nov 2022

Your heart is in the right place, and so are the hearts of DU’ers commenting.



But I personally find your strategy wrongheaded, seems like it could backfire big time.

JohnSJ explains my misgivings much better than I ever could.

Take care of yourself. You are a wonderful person.

BradAllison

(1,879 posts)
64. Too bad an Iranian reporter decided to a lecture some "ignorant African American"...
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:44 PM
Nov 2022

.....and he handled him with class. Sorry.

Wingus Dingus

(8,054 posts)
13. I don't like nor care about soccer. But I can never find it in my heart
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:34 PM
Nov 2022

to hope a US team loses. That's weird, to me.

Takket

(21,577 posts)
27. There really isn't.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:00 PM
Nov 2022

Iran advancing isn’t going to lead to some revolution. I’m rooting for my country.

BradAllison

(1,879 posts)
62. Nahhh, if it bothers you that much, I'm enjoying it.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:38 PM
Nov 2022

It's fucking soccer, after all, but keep gnashing your teeth.

Dr. Strange

(25,921 posts)
31. Especially in soccer.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:06 PM
Nov 2022

I really want to see the US make it's place in soccer. Our women's team is a perennial success. I want to see that from the men as well.

 

BlackSkimmer

(51,308 posts)
49. Well, I have a dual citizenship, so usually I'm rooting against one of them lol.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:20 PM
Nov 2022

I don't think it makes a damn bit of difference, however.

sarisataka

(18,663 posts)
18. Of the 25 members of the Iranian team
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:45 PM
Nov 2022

Only 9 play for clubs in Iran. They do not need to request asylum.

Marcus IM

(2,209 posts)
17. I like the games as well as the Olympics. The human interest stories are interesting.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:43 PM
Nov 2022

Especially the human interest stories about how hard life is in America, and the heroic Olympians who have struggled with America's lack of social infrastructures. Makes me feel patriotic.






MarineCombatEngineer

(12,399 posts)
24. Yeah, ummm, NO!!!
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 03:54 PM
Nov 2022

We're well aware of what's going on in Iran, I hope they can throw off the shackles of tyranny, but I won't root against my home team.
GO USA!!!!

Cyrano

(15,041 posts)
32. Let me tell you what disappoints me about this thread
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:07 PM
Nov 2022

Many here are expressing their "patriotism" for the US team. But most don't seem to give a shit what will happen to the Iranian team when they return home.

Where's all the DU "empathy." Where's the DU understanding of the oppressed? Where are the DUers who give a damn about the lives of others, even if they're not Americans? Where the hell is the DU that stands for the freedom of all, and not winning some some stupid fucking game?

And let me state this as strongly as possible.

Sigh.

MarineCombatEngineer

(12,399 posts)
35. We can chew gum and walk at the same time,
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:10 PM
Nov 2022

IOW, we are quite capable of understanding the oppression in Iran and what the Iranian team is attempting to accomplish and rooting for our USA team to win.

GO TEAM USA!!!!

Marcus IM

(2,209 posts)
40. You seem shocked.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:15 PM
Nov 2022

Meanwhile, on one hand there's posts here wanting to have the insurrectionist J-6ers and planners (and anti-vaxer protesters) heads cracked, arrested and jailed for the insurrection and planning. On the other hand there's support here by some for Venezuela's fascist insurrectionist leader Juan Guaido and his team of fascists - that the US gov't supports/backs.

Go figure. DU is a WIDE spectrum. A BIG tent.

Cyrano

(15,041 posts)
48. Not shocked. Disappointed.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:20 PM
Nov 2022

Too many of the posts on this thread reek of Republican "patriotism." I repeat. Sigh.

MarineCombatEngineer

(12,399 posts)
53. Republican "patriotism"?
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:22 PM
Nov 2022

Just what are you accusing those of us, and that's the vast majority of posts on this thread. that are disagreeing with you?

Wingus Dingus

(8,054 posts)
100. What does "Democratic Patriotism" look like?
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 06:28 PM
Nov 2022

Cheering for your country to lose? Hoping our players get deprived of something they've worked hard for? Wanting a "comeuppance" on the world stage? I want no part of that.

malaise

(269,054 posts)
47. The US doesn't give a flying fuck about democracy in Iran or
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:19 PM
Nov 2022

about the Iranian people - it has long been divide and rule for US interests.
Sorry that's the truth. Check the overthrow of democracy for BP, check Iran Contra, blah blah blah!

malaise

(269,054 posts)
74. Let me see
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:56 PM
Nov 2022

Oh Petro Caribe would be my best response given the US removal of sanctions against Venezuela - it’s always US self interest.

Celerity

(43,409 posts)
101. One of the main reasons Iran is as it is now is the US. Operation Ajax, the 1953 CIA coup against
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 06:52 PM
Nov 2022

the democratically elected ‎Mohammad Mosaddegh, and the re-instalment of the horrific Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as Shah. That, in turn, eventually led, after decades of US-condoned tyrannical and deadly authoritarian rule, to the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

How The CIA Overthrew Iran's Democracy In 4 Days

https://www.npr.org/2019/01/31/690363402/how-the-cia-overthrew-irans-democracy-in-four-days

On Aug. 19, 2013, the CIA publicly admitted for the first time its involvement in the 1953 coup against Iran's elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh.



The documents provided details of the CIA's plan at the time, which was led by senior officer Kermit Roosevelt Jr., the grandson of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Over the course of four days in August 1953, Roosevelt would orchestrate not one, but two attempts to destabilize the government of Iran, forever changing the relationship between the country and the U.S. In this episode, we go back to retrace what happened in the inaugural episode of NPR's new history podcast, Throughline.



Mohammad Mossadegh was a beloved figure in Iran. During his tenure, he introduced a range of social and economic policies, the most significant being the nationalization of the Iranian oil industry. Great Britain had controlled Iran's oil for decades through the Anglo-Iranian Oil Co. After months of talks the prime minister broke off negotiations and denied the British any further involvement in Iran's oil industry. Britain then appealed to the United States for help, which eventually led the CIA to orchestrate the overthrow of Mossadegh and restore power to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran.



According to Stephen Kinzer, author of the book All the Shah's Men, Roosevelt quickly seized control of the Iranian press by buying them off with bribes and circulating anti-Mossadegh propaganda. He recruited allies among the Islamic clergy, and he convinced the shah that Mossadegh was a threat. The last step entailed a dramatic attempt to apprehend Mossadegh at his house in the middle of the night. But the coup failed. Mossadegh learned of it and fought back. The next morning, he announced victory over the radio.

Mossadegh thought he was in the clear, but Roosevelt hadn't given up. He orchestrated a second coup, which succeeded. Mossadegh was placed on trial and spent his life under house arrest. The shah returned to power and ruled for another 25 years until the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The 1953 coup was later invoked by students and the political class in Iran as a justification for overthrowing the shah.



snip



H2O Man

(73,559 posts)
95. I agree.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:49 PM
Nov 2022

While my watching soccer was limited to my daughters in school sports, I do think that the US policy towards Iran is wrong.

 

BlackSkimmer

(51,308 posts)
54. What's funny is that on any given day I can sign on to DU and see a dozen threads about how many
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:23 PM
Nov 2022

want to leave this country, move somewhere else.

Then someone brings up a game and some of the same posters are all "USA USA yeah!"

MarineCombatEngineer

(12,399 posts)
56. Not me.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:26 PM
Nov 2022

I've been very clear about not leaving my country to the MAGAt's, I've said in the past that I will stay and defend my country against the repuke tyranny,

 

BlackSkimmer

(51,308 posts)
65. I haven't equivocated one little bit about that. Ok, Brad?
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:45 PM
Nov 2022

You'll never see me be all "USA USA!" ever.

As I said elsewhere in this thread, Brad, I have a dual citizenship, so I'm usually rooting against one of them. USA frequently is the one I don't root for - Wales first, England second. USA runs a poor third.

So where is the dishonesty Brad? Huh?

 

BlackSkimmer

(51,308 posts)
77. Thank you for that.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:00 PM
Nov 2022

Brad frequently shows up and makes insinuations about me.

I don't always go along with the crowd here, but I've been a member since 2005, and my Democratic bona fides don't need proving to this individual lol.

Somewhere along the way I must have hurt his feelings, I guess. I don't remember it at all.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
76. That doesn't mean they want to root for Iran
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:59 PM
Nov 2022

The desire to move somewhere else is never directed at Iran. That's a place you flee from, not to.

 

BlackSkimmer

(51,308 posts)
78. Well yeah, I gotta give you that!
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:01 PM
Nov 2022

A beautiful country that sadly, in all my travels, I'll never visit.

A shame.

MarineCombatEngineer

(12,399 posts)
81. I had the pleasure of visiting Iran while in the Marines back in the early '70's,
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:04 PM
Nov 2022

the Iranian people are some of the most generous people and the country is absolutely beautiful.

sarisataka

(18,663 posts)
57. What's going to happen to the Iranian team?
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:27 PM
Nov 2022

Nothing


Ok, maybe they will be scolded for not showing enough loyalty, but that's it.

Iran does not have a history of punishing athletes who do not do well enough. In addition, we are not talking about just some group of kids who decided to sign up for some tournament. These players are international stars. 2/3 of them play on teams outside Iran. The publicity they get is worth more than the embarrassment of not singing loudly enough.

As others have said, they have already achieved their goal in bringing attention to the protests in their country. Advancing one more round will not add or subtract anything from what they have done.

TheProle

(2,179 posts)
75. Counterpoint:
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:57 PM
Nov 2022
Iran threatened families of national soccer team, according to security source

The families of Iran’s World Cup soccer team have been threatened with imprisonment and torture if the players fail to “behave” ahead of the match against the USA on Tuesday, a source involved in the security of the games said.

Following the refusal of Iranian players to sing the nation’s national anthem in their opening match against England on November 21, the source said that the players were called to a meeting with members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The source said that they were told that their families would face “violence and and torture” if they did not sing the national anthem or if they joined any political protest against the Tehran regime.

The players sang the anthem before their second game against Wales last Friday, which saw 2-0 victory for Iran.

The source, who is closely monitoring Iran’s security agencies operating in Qatar over the World Cup period, said that dozens of officers from the IRGC had been drafted in to monitor the Iranian players who are not allowed to mingle outside the squad or meet with foreigners.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/28/football/iran-soccer-family-threats-intl-spt/index.html

sarisataka

(18,663 posts)
85. Yes, they were put on notice
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:07 PM
Nov 2022

To behave -or else. They are behaving and unless they do something blatant to embarrass Iranian leadership it is done.


Winning or losing is irrelevant to how they will be treated. Saying they will be tortured and/or killed unless they win is pure fantasy.

BradAllison

(1,879 posts)
59. Dude, your "edgy" take didn't work out for you
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:31 PM
Nov 2022

Take the knee, and be on your way.....sorry the douchebag reporter didn't get to lord it over the "foolish American African" guy.

BradAllison

(1,879 posts)
69. Reporting already?
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:49 PM
Nov 2022

I expect as much from you. Bye bye I guess.

Just hope you know you do not fool anyone.

 

BlackSkimmer

(51,308 posts)
72. Lol, I haven't reported a thing dearest.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:54 PM
Nov 2022

I've been a member of this site for getting on 20 years.

So take your accusations elsewhere, Brad.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
87. Having empathy for the country doesn't mean you need to
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:09 PM
Nov 2022

root for their team. Friendly rivalry. Plus they are not the only team from a repressive country. Including the one from where the games are.

nini

(16,672 posts)
34. If they've been spreading the message and not singing the anthem
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:08 PM
Nov 2022

losing to the US won't change the reception they get when they get home. Winning will simply delay that.

Cyrano

(15,041 posts)
39. Yeah, But! They're willing to take the risk to spread the word
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:13 PM
Nov 2022

Would you do that? These are courageous people. And they're doing it for one reason. They want what we all want. Freedom.

nini

(16,672 posts)
42. I agree with that and admire them for it
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:17 PM
Nov 2022

I just don't think losing a soccer game will make much more of a difference.

FakeNoose

(32,645 posts)
43. The Iranian team can still defect even if they lose to the USA
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:18 PM
Nov 2022

They can go to Turkey or Egypt, or even Israel - where they won't be murdered for speaking out against their government when they had the chance.

treestar

(82,383 posts)
51. what does winning the match have to do with it?
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:21 PM
Nov 2022

It's the same whether they win or not.

It's just to play a game, not politics. These and the likes of the Olympics should not be held if they are going to be about politics.

BradAllison

(1,879 posts)
58. Fuck Iran
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:29 PM
Nov 2022

I want to kick that stupid state mouthpiece reporter lecturing a black man in the nuts. Fuck him.

Tommy Carcetti

(43,182 posts)
61. Honestly, the US isn't going to win the World Cup...
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:38 PM
Nov 2022

...and given that fact, I basically can't see myself getting invested in a sport that features 0-0 ties.

I just can't get excited about soccer. And yes, some people insist baseball is boring and I will defend baseball to the death that it is anything but boring, that it is the most unique and intricate team sport there is...but soccer? Meh.

One of the few "Ugly American" stereotypes I admittedly fall victim to. (Our recalcitrance against the metric system is probably the other.)

Somebody will win the World Cup. It won't be us. Good for whoever does win, but I doubt I'll be able to remember who that is within a month of it happening.

OAITW r.2.0

(24,504 posts)
88. I don't understand the game.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:10 PM
Nov 2022

Seems like, when a team gets into the opponents side of the field, the ball gets kicked back into their zone...And when you have a clear view of the goal, why not chip the ball up for some chaos in the box? Seems like there'd be better opportunities when you boot the ball up in the air and drive in to create shots on goal. Too much defensive play and not a lot of offensive plays.

Ilsa

(61,695 posts)
73. The Iranian players were barely mouthing their national anthem today.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 04:56 PM
Nov 2022

No doubt, threats were made against some players' loved ones at home.

The players appear to have great sportsmanship. They compete, but have shown kindness toward each other on the pitch.

brooklynite

(94,598 posts)
89. Good riddance to Iran.
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:10 PM
Nov 2022

I haven’t seen any sign of their “rebellion”.

And I haven’t seen any indication that “many” Americans are supporting them, other than your personal assertion.

Tarc

(10,476 posts)
94. What an ill-informed post
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 05:43 PM
Nov 2022

Most if not all people here in the DU want a free Iran, liberated from a regressive, 8th-centruy brand of religious fanaticism.

That doesn't mean sacrificing our national soccer team, men who have worked towards this moment for 4 goddamn years.

Wise up.

Celerity

(43,409 posts)
99. it's the World Cup the US just advanced in, FIFA is simply the global footballing governing body
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 06:22 PM
Nov 2022

Fédération Internationale de Football Association.

I grew up in London, England is my team, over Sweden and over the US (I do not follow the US football team as a fan at all, but I was hoping they would beat Iran for the overall good of the sport on the US).

The Netherlands will likely knock out the US in the next round, especially if Pulisic cannot play (he was injured scoring the winning goal during the Iran game). He is made of glass, he plays for the main club team I support, Chelsea (I grew in west London, a mile or so away from Stamford Bridge, and my father has been a season ticket holder since the 1990s), in the EPL, and he is constantly injured. I so hope we sell him, as he is very non productive as well. a massive (almost £60m just for the transfer fee) bust that I was against buying from the beginning. We did it as marketing ploy for the US market, our chairman at the time (Bruce Buck, an American) admitted as much.

Celerity

(43,409 posts)
104. He has an abdominal injury and is getting scans. If he tore a muscle he is done for the WC, and
Tue Nov 29, 2022, 07:02 PM
Nov 2022

perhaps out for months for us (hardly surprising as a Chels fangirl, like I said above, he is made of glass).


Christian Pulisic taken to hospital with abdominal injury after sending USMNT through

https://theathletic.com/3949993/2022/11/29/christian-pulisic-injury/



Christian Pulisic has been taken to hospital with an abdominal injury after hurting himself scoring the winning goal of the game for the United States against Iran.

Pulisic, 24, turned AC Milan defender Sergino Dest’s header over the line seven minutes before half-time to send the United States into the round of 16, where they will play the Netherlands.

But the Chelsea forward injured himself in the act of scoring and required several minutes of medical treatment before the half-time break.

He was then withdrawn at the interval. After the game, a United States Soccer Federation spokesperson told The Athletic Pulisic had been taken to a local hospital with an abdominal injury.

snip

Response to brooklynite (Reply #102)

muriel_volestrangler

(101,321 posts)
107. See: Anti-regime Iranians celebrate World Cup exit to US in solidarity with protests
Wed Nov 30, 2022, 09:45 AM
Nov 2022
Some Iranians have celebrated their team’s loss to the US and subsequent exit from the World Cup, as demonstrations against the government’s treatment of protesters took place inside and outside the stadium in Qatar and across Iran.
...
When the match was lost, the Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad posted videos of celebrations on Twitter, writing: “Iran is a country where people are very passionate about football. Now they are out in the streets in the city of Sanandaj and celebrate the loss of their football team against US.” She also posted a video of fireworks being let off in Saqqez, Mahsa Amini’s home town.


In 2019, Iranian women were allowed to enter a football stadium for the first time in 40 years, but have been permitted to attend only a handful of national matches since, according to Al Jazeera.

“The Islamic Republic banned women from entering stadiums for 40 years and now people are chanting ‘woman, life, freedom’ to celebrate being booted out of the World Cup,” Alinejad wrote above a video from Kermanshah in western Iran.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/nov/30/footage-shows-group-of-iranian-fans-celebrating-world-cup-exit








That's the problem with trying to politicize a football team - your idea about the team may not match the people you're hoping to support.

Renew Deal

(81,861 posts)
108. This is a significant misreading of the situation.
Wed Nov 30, 2022, 10:01 AM
Nov 2022

The team has not been in open rebellion with the federation or the country. They have done nothing but not sing the national anthem in the first game. The coach defended the country when they perceived disrespect from the US. The families of the players were threatened. The only useful purpose for the team was to the benefit of the government. Bread and circuses

For example: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100217420973

I suspect you’d want the US to lose no matter the opponent. There is always a convenient reason.

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