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The US Men’s National Team is set to play its biggest soccer game in eight years on Tuesday when it takes on Iran in the final group stage game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The US is in a must-win scenario. It currently sits third in Group B with two points after consecutive draws against Wales and England. Iran, meanwhile, sits in second place with three points after beating Wales in their second game of the tournament.
A draw in the third match likely sees England and Iran both advance to the knockout phase of the tournament barring something crazy between Wales and England. So it’s safe to say that the pressure is at an all-time high for a young US team.
Now that pressure appears to have been ratcheted up even higher.
Those who pay attention will know that the US and Iran don’t exactly have the best diplomatic record. A social media staff member with the US team heightened those tensions earlier in the week, posting a picture of the Iranian flag without the Islamic Republic logo in the middle.
The United States Soccer Federation said the post was intended to “support for the women in Iran fighting for basic human rights.”
Iran was furious with the move. The country has since called for punishment for the US, including removal from the tournament. Now their coach, Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, is getting involved.
Iran Manager Carlos Queiroz Calls Out The US Over School Shootings
Both teams had press conferences on Monday, one day before their big showdown. Oddly. Unsurprisingly, US manager Gregg Berhalter and captain Tyler Adams were asked about the matter
Berhalter and Adams get asked about USSF removing the Islamic Republic emblem from Iranian flag.
Adams: “We support Iran’s people and Iran’s team, but we’re laser focused on this match, as they are as well."
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) November 28, 2022
Berhalter on USSF removing emblem from Iranian flag:
“We had no idea about what US Soccer put out. The staff, the players, we had no idea, and what Tyler said, our focus is on this match. … Of course our thoughts are with the Iranian people, but our focus is on this match.”
— Sam Stejskal (@samstejskal) November 28, 2022
Irani reports then asked both about human rights issues involving the US.
Gregg Berhalter and Tyler Adams have now been asked about systemic racism in the U.S., the American fleet in the Persian Gulf, high inflation, and why Iranians need a visa to visit the USA but Americans don't need one for Iran.
This press conference has been… different.
— Leander “same handle *elsewhere*” Schaerlaeckens (@LeanderAlphabet) November 28, 2022
While Queiroz seemed to take a shot at issues plaguing the US on their own soil.
Carlos Queiroz trying to be diplomatic, talking about solidarity for all those suffering in the world, including those ‘kids in who die in school shootings…’
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) November 28, 2022
It’s safe to say Queiroz added fuel to the fire of an already tense, emotional game.