World Cup
Iran beat Gambia as federation seeks FIFA clarity over visas
Iran have asked FIFA to clarify when tournament visas will be issued following the relocation of their World Cup training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, a senior official from the Islamic Republic’s national football federation (FFIRI) said on Friday.
The national team came from behind to beat Gambia 3-1 in a World Cup warm-up match in the Turkish city of Antalya, days after their tournament preparations were disrupted by a base camp relocation to Mexico following approval from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and FIFA.
Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the United States but the team’s participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February.
The relocation followed diplomatic friction and visa complications, with Iran now requiring cross-border clearance for their Group G matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Mehdi Mohammadnabi, first vice president of FFIRI, told Reuters that Iran had written to FIFA seeking a firm answer after earlier applying for visas.
“We sent an email to FIFA today and asked them to announce the result as soon as possible, to say on what day the visas will be issued, because we now need both multiple-entry Mexican visas and multiple-entry U.S. visas,” Mohammadnabi said.
“Based on the latest conversation we had, they replied that the administrative process will most likely be completed this week,” he added.
Mohammadnabi said FIFA had proposed the Tijuana camp and Iran had accepted the arrangement.
“FIFA proposed this camp, and FIFA should tell you what has happened,” he said. “In any case, we have accepted this camp, which is in the city of Tijuana in Mexico, and the team is ready to travel, which I think will take place in about a week.”
“We are also surprised and hope this issue will be resolved as soon as possible,” he added. “The focus of the national team and our players is only on their training.”
Gambia led through Omar Colley before halftime, but Iran equalised through Aria Yousefi after the break before Ramin Rezaeian and Mehdi Taremi completed the comeback.
-Reuters
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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