Fans Watch Iran's First World Cup Match At A Coffee Shop In Tehran

Fans gathered in coffee shops in Tehran to watch Iran's opening World Cup match against New Zealand despite the brutal 4:30 a.m. (0100 GMT) kickoff time. Iran opened its politically charged World Cup by playing to a 2-2 draw with New Zealand on Monday night, overcoming two deficits and getting the tying goal from Mohammad Mohebbi in the 64th minute. Ramin Rezaeian scored an early goal and assisted on Mohebbi’s goal for the Iranians, whose World Cup cycle has been in upheaval since the U.S. and Israel began a war against Iran on Feb. 28. Iran ultimately decided to compete even after FIFA rejected its request to move its three group-stage matches out of the U.S. Iran moved its training base during the tournament from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and the team is flying into the U.S. on the day before each game before returning quickly to Mexico. Captain Mehdi Taremi acknowledged that this World Cup has been a difficult experience containing little of the joy that soccer represents to him and his teammates. "It would have been much better if younger players were allowed to play, because some players don't have the motivation or the energy to do what they want to do. I wish younger players were given the chance so we could benefit from their motivation," said Mohammad Reza Baghandast, a 25-year-old Tehran resident.