Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand last Monday night was one of the most absorbing games of the early World Cup schedule.
The match had momentum swings, pressure and emotion, with Iran showing resilience in a tournament already shaped by issues away from the pitch.
But the important scenes did not happen only on the field, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino later entered the Iran locker room to address the players directly.
Gianni Infantino reaches out to Iran players after World Cup opener
A video shared by Ryan Rozbiani shows Infantino speaking through a translator, as he begins by praising Iran’s performance after a difficult night.
He said: “Tonight was a tough game. With a bit more luck, you win. But you showed to your families, to your friends, to your people, to the world, that you’re in the World Cup, that you performed and have two more games to go.”
The FIFA president added: “And in these two games that you have to go you will make again everyone in the world proud of you. Thank you for being here.
“It’s also a big emotion. I know what you’re going through, I understand, but you’re stronger than everything. And you send a strong message to the entire world.”
After the speech, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei spoke to Infantino about the adversities Iran have faced, mentioning “unfair treatment” that he said was affecting them physically.
Infantino listened and offered support again, although the video did not show the promise Mehdi Taremi later mentioned after the match.
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