“A US interagency working group will be scheduled ahead of Iran’s game to determine whether their attacks can be deterred, the extent of subsequent negotiations in the event of a draw, and whether the exchange of jerseys would violate sanctions. was established in
A sarcastic tweet by Washington-based Iran expert Ali Baez shortly after the World Cup draws were announced in April is one of the many subplots of the group stage’s most geopolitical battle. encapsulating the United States, which is the United States, against Iran. And they form half of Group B.
The other two countries in the group, England and Wales, are part of the same ‘sovereign state’ but fierce rivals when it comes to sport.
In purely sporting terms, Group E, made up of Germany, Spain, Japan and Costa Rica, may be the ‘group of death’, but when it comes to international political relations Group B adds a compelling dimension to the tournament. To do.
After the 1980 Iranian Revolution, diplomatic relations between the United States and Iran were severed. Relations between the two counties, apart from increased sanctions, have been marked by political, diplomatic and sometimes military confrontations. Relations with Iran have deteriorated further since the United States declared Iran an “axis of evil” in 2002 for its aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapons, and Washington warned that Tehran would become a U.S. military force based in Iraq and Syria. It has accused it of conducting attacks across the Middle East, including against
In 2020, the two countries were on the brink of war after the US killed Iran’s top commander and Tehran responded with retaliatory missile attacks on US forces based in Iraq.
Against this backdrop, the match between the two countries on November 21 is assumed to be very important, although the coaches of both teams avoided questions about the political nature of the draw. Even more so for Iran, which is now witnessing nationwide protests after her Amini was beaten to death while in police custody.
Several top players are opposing the government and Qatar could do the same.
It may not be as serious as America or Iran, but actor Michael Sheen, who played legendary British coach Bryan Clough in the film Damned United, made a moving speech about the game against its neighbors. It captured the feeling of a Welshman heading to England.
Wales have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years and seem determined to step out of the imposing shadow of their neighbors. “We have not waited 64 years to come to the other side of the world to be harassed by our neighbors at home. When the British come knocking on our door, give them a sugar boy.” …they always told us we were too small, too slow, too weak, full of fear,” Sheen said in his speech. Show A League of Their Own.
His speech included references to the late Gary Speed, Wales’ final World Cup campaign in 1958, manager Rob Page and the legendary ‘red wall’ of Welsh fans heading to Qatar. .
Of course, Group B isn’t the only group that matches the intriguing story. No other group comes close to the drama this could potentially offer, but there are some matches with interesting political subplots.
Group C is paired with Latin America’s Mexico and Argentina. The two countries have great rivalries in football and both are ruled by left-wing governments. Group D will feature France and Australia head-to-head. Earlier this year, the two countries had serious disagreements over the fact that Australia canceled a contract to purchase French submarines.
Earlier this month, FIFA president Gianni Infantino pleaded with the 32 nations competing in Qatar to “focus on football” and leave “politics” out. Please tell the supporters of such a team!
