Doha: In a stunning symbol of protest against the oppression by their regime back home, Team Melli’s footballers did not sing their national anthem ahead of their opener with England here.
Eyes stoic, heads high in pride and lips unmoving, they showed extraordinary courage on the biggest stage, braving the often-violent wrath of the authorities that could follow back home.
When play began, England made their best-ever, hassle-free, fluid start to their World Cup campaign since… since no one remembers when. They were three goals up by the break, all of them fine, well-crafted ones. A new, brave Harry Maguire, of uncluttered mind and movement, told us that this was a different, much-changed England we would be seeing at this World Cup.
England completed the rout 6-2 thanks to two goals from Bukayo Saka and strikes by Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling and substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish. Mehdi Taremi scored both the goals for Iran, the second one coming from the penalty spot in the dying seconds.
Elsewhere, the other Harry in the side, Maguire’s captain Kane, did not sport the rainbow armband which he had indicated he would in support of the LGBT cause here in Qatar, to avoid a booking by FIFA for doing so.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’
Fury's Ground Xiro
Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.