June 2017, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran In the video, the two dozen or so members of the Iranian national football squad sit in two rows, facing each other. The long, modestly appointed, high-ceilinged room is the office of the presidential administration in central Tehran, the Iranian capital. The players are patiently, almost nervously waiting to begin. Between the two rows of men at the end of the room is the country’s president, Hassan Rouhani, wearing a white turban and sitting on a chair trimmed with gold leaf, the sole sign of presidential opulence. Behind him hang two portraits. Over his right shoulder, the image of Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, the ayatollah who led the 1979 Islamic revolution, transforming Iran and its relationship with the rest of the world. Over his left, the portrait of Iran’s current supreme leader, and the true and final arbiter of power in the Islamic Republic today, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Two days ago Iran qualified for their fifth World Cup with ease. They had beaten Uzbekistan 2-0 in the Azadi Stadium in Tehran. The national team, also known as Team Melli, had gone unbeaten during qualification as a new generation of Iranian stars were born. Sardar… Read full this story
- World Health Organization Chief Thanks His 'Friend' Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov for 'Trust and Support' During Coronavirus Pandemic
- From gatecrashers to joint winners: India’s journey at the Asian Youth Championship Bangkok 1974
- 'The bliss of a quiet period': lockdown is a unique chance to study the nature of cities
- Coronavirus: Wild animals enjoy freedom of a quieter world
- The world will have to live with threat of coronavirus for the 'foreseeable future' because there is no guarantee of a successful vaccine, senior WHO expert warns while Oxford professor says a cure 'was not certain'
- Nick Cannon on 'Wild 'N Out' and His Decade-Long Feud With Eminem: 'I Think He Knows Better Now'
- How Atlanta United conquered MLS and now plan to build a dynasty
- Thai Cave Rescue Accomplished: All 12 Boys And Their Soccer Coach Are Safe
- 'As if I was in the stadium again' - Wuhan's Jean Evrard Kouassi on team's return to city
- Coronavirus: QPR chief executive Lee Hoos fears clubs are being pushed to the brink
A Journey into the Wild, Complex and Unique World of Football in Iran have 364 words, post on bleacherreport.com at June 8, 2018. This is cached page on Goose Art. If you want remove this page, please contact us.