While undoubtedly lucky in their first game against Morocco, anyone who understood the Iranian team’s backstory could not help feel sympathy after their elimination from the group stages. This was a team full of enigmatic individuals who overcame all sorts of adversity to get here.
Perhaps the best example of this is their goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand once fled his home to pursue his footballing dreams, living on the streets of Teheran. Other examples include Sardar Azmoun, Saeed Ezatolahi, Karim Ansarifard, Masoud Shojaei and Ramin Rezaeian- all of whom overcame controversy and adversity to get to Russia.
When the World Cup Draw was made, most considered Iran already eliminated from contention for the Round of 16. They were playing two World Cup giants in Portugal and Spain along with a more talented team in Morocco.
Even after their admittedly lucky win over Morocco, Iran were still considered heavy underdogs to make the knockout stages. When they faced Spain, most expected a comfortable win for the Iberian side.
Despite this, the brave Iranian team (perhaps the most organized in the World Cup) held out against the Spanish team. One of the greatest midfields in World Cup History struggled to break down the doughty Iranians. Beiranvand made impressive saves while the defence made countless tackles, blocks and interceptions.
By half-time, a draw seemed probable- even an Iranian win did not seem inconceivable. Iran’s performance continued in the second half until Rezaeian made another crucial tackle on Diego Costa. Unfortunately for the Iranians, this time the ball did not peter out but rather struck Diego Costa’s leg and rebounded into the net. It was unbelievably bad luck for an Iranian team that had overcome such adversity to get there.
After that heartbreaking loss, Iran still knew that a victory in their last game would be enough for them to qualify- they just needed to beat the reigning European champions Portugal. Again, Iran defended bravely- again an extraordinary event gave Portugal the lead.
This time it was a superb Ricardo Quaresma goal with his outside foot. Iran still continued to fight as Beiranvand saved a Ronaldo penalty while Ansarifard converted his to equalize. The latter goal was too little, too late for the Iranians as they were eliminated but not before winning the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.