IN 1998 I was lucky enough to go to the World Cup in France. Nick Hancock and I made a comedy documentary called The Outsiders (available on You Tube).
It was an amazing summer bromance, not with Nick, who I’d known for years, but with a bunch of lads from Iran. We trained with them, played pool with them and laughed a lot with them.
There was: Azizi, whose nickname was Suzuki, because he was so loud, Abedzadeh, the goalkeeper, and leader of the team, Mohammadkhani, the laconic hard man, Ali Daei, the playboy centre-forward, and defensive midfielder, Khakpour, who I helped buy a suit in Le Puy. It was amazing to be a part of their World Cup dreams.
They had lost their opening game against Yugoslavia, 1-0. Their next game was against the USA. This obviously had massive political overtones. The press built up the pressure in the daily interviews.
But I wasn’t going to be in France to watch it. I was going to Tehran with producer and cameraman Adam Bullmore. When we arrived there was a lot of excitement.
Iran is football mad and all 60-odd million Iranians were rooting for the team. The Imams were worried. They banned gatherings of over 12 people.
Denne historien er fra August 16, 2020-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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Denne historien er fra August 16, 2020-utgaven av The Non-League Football Paper.
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BISH BASH BOSH! IT'S LINING UP FOR LEWIS
DAVE Lewis believes Bashley are yet to ‘reach their ceiling’.
REBELS YELL FOR GREAT CAUSE
FOOTBALL shirts specially designed by Worthing FC Supporters Association and local artists Two Faced Twins have been such a hit they’ve been able to hand over a sizeable cheque.
FLEET IN BOSS HUNT...AGAIN!
STRUGGLING Ebbsfleet United are searching for their third manager of the season after Harry Watling left Stonebridge Road after just 90 days in charge.
TOP TALENT HAD 'MAGIC AT HIS FEET'
TRIBUTES have been paid for a talented 17-year-old with ‘magic at his feet’ who passed away after collapsing on the pitch.
ALPORT GO ON THE ATTACK TO SEAL PLACE IN LAST 32!
ALL out attack eventually delivered a warranted win for Whitchurch – despite living dangerously late on.
BRILLIANT BECKWITH INSPIRES LEADERS
GOALKEEPER Charlie Beckwith made the difference as his clean sheet and a goal from Cemel Ramadan saw Bury Town take all three points at Chadfields yesterday afternoon.
OWLS WIN KEY CLASH IN BATTLE FOR TITLE
LEAGUE leaders Cleethorpes claimed an important win over second-placed Emley to move four points clear at the summit of the East Division.
BARDS DO THE HARD YARDS IN BIG WIN
THERE was not much to warm Stamford’s fans as the Daniels were beaten by a good Stratford side.
FREDDIE TREBLE TEES UP LATE WIN
FREDDIE PARKER scored his second hat-trick of the season as Cray Valley came from behind to win in what was a great advert for Non-League football.
TIGERS & LIONS IN A TASTY SCRAP!
PLAY-OFF contenders Hyde United and Guiseley had to settle for a share of the spoils after a hard-fought encounter.
