The players chose to sing the anthem before the match against Australia, in contrast to their silence in the previous tie.
Players from the Iranian women’s football team saluted and sang the country’s national anthem before their Asian Cup match against Australia after choosing to remain silent during the tournament’s opening match.
Hosts Australia trounced Iran 4-0 in their second group stage match of the regional competition on a rain-soaked Thursday night in Gold Coast, Australia.
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Iran’s team and management, who have expressed fears and concerns for their families back home amid Iran’s ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, showed a stoic look and chose not to sing their national anthem in the match against South Korea on Monday.
However, they sang “Mehr-e Khavaran” (Eastern Sun) as rain fell on them and sections of the crowd booed during the anthem before kick-off at the Robina Stadium.
Several spectators waved the pre-1979 Iranian flag in protest against the current regime, while others displayed banners in favor of US President Donald Trump.
While these groups of expatriate Iranians supported the team’s display on the field, they showed clear discontent when the anthem was played.
While it is unclear why the team changed its stance between the two games, they have spoken openly about the difficulty of participating in a tournament thousands of miles from home while their country remains under attack from the United States and Israel.
The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Saturday, killing at least 1,230 people, including the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The deadliest incident occurred in the southeastern Iranian city of Minab, where an attack on a primary school killed 165 girls.
An internet blackout has made it almost impossible for players and staff to contact anyone, and coach Marziyeh Jafari is grateful for the support they have received from the Iranian Australians.
“We are very happy that the Iranian Australians here support us,” he told Australian media on Wednesday.
“Obviously, we care a lot about our families, our loved ones and all the other people within our country, from whom we are completely disconnected.
“We come here to play football professionally and we will do our best to concentrate on the game ahead.”
Groups of protesters against Iran’s regime gathered outside before the game.
Nasrin Vaziri, an Iranian Australian and long-time Gold Coast resident, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation she was there because she wanted to support the players.
“I think they are brilliant because they haven’t had many opportunities to play,” Vaziri told ABC. “They are real people, even under pressure. We are proud of them. As a woman, I am proud of them.”
The bombing of Iran by the United States and Israel continued for a sixth day, with missiles falling in rapid succession during waves of attacks that have taken place at all hours of the day.
Forward Sara Didar fought back tears as she spoke about the team’s concerns.
“Obviously we are all worried and sad about what has happened to Iran, to our families and to our loved ones,” the 21-year-old told reporters.
Iran’s second defeat in as many games has left them close to elimination, and only a big win over the Philippines (0-2) on Sunday can give them any hope of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Australia and South Korea have already qualified from their group. The two best teams from each of the three groups will play in the round of 16, and the two best third-placed teams will occupy the remaining places.
The Asian Cup also serves as a qualifying springboard for next year’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and Jafari’s team hopes they can do enough to book a place.
