FILE - (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
WCup-US-Facing Iran Soccer
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The last World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically charged matches in soccer history.
Tuesday night’s match in Qatar likely eclipsed it. The Americans prevailed 1-0 on the pitch, where no one mentioned Iran’s nationwide protests, its expanding nuclear program and regional and international attacks linked back to Tehran.
But those factors pushed the match beyond the stadium and into geopolitics. Even some protesters at Al Thumama Stadium said they felt threatened by pro-government officials on hand.
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