The Iranian national team departed from Mexico on Tuesday, following a World Cup tournament marked by athletic brilliance and disappointment. Despite facing challenging circumstances, including repeated disagreements with U.S. officials, the team’s fans say they should be proud of their performance.

A Heartbreaking Knockout

The team’s World Cup future depended on the outcome of a match between Algeria and Austria. When Algeria took the lead, the team erupted in celebration, but their joy was short-lived as Austria tied the game, leaving the team in dismayed silence.

Iran’s denied request to move its matches to Mexico, the relocation of its base camp from Arizona, and the U.S.’s refusal to grant visas to key members of the Iranian team’s staff added to the team’s challenges. The U.S. also rejected Iran’s request to travel to the U.S. two days before its Los Angeles matches.

Fans Show Support

Despite the team’s elimination, fans are already looking ahead to the AFC Asian Cup, which is six months away. The team’s stand for the young victims of a deadly missile strike, wearing pins with the number “168” to reference the number of people killed, was seen as “honorable” by fans.

The team’s visit to Tijuana also deepened the bond between Iranians and Mexicans, with fans chanting “Irán, hermano, ya eres Mexicano!” (“Iran, brother, now you are Mexican!”) whenever they saw the team.

Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.