The first half of England’s match against Iran, in the second group of the Qatar World Cup on Monday, saw an exceptional episode after the match referee, Brazilian Rafael Clas, counted down 14 minutes of added time.
The half ended with the “Three Lions” advancing 3-0 after dominating the match and wasting other dangerous opportunities, while the Iranian team, led by the Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, appeared to be down.
The match stopped for a long time to treat the Iranian goalkeeper, Ali Reza Beiranvand, who collided with a player from his team in the first minutes.
After several attempts to save him, the goalkeeper was replaced in the 20th minute, with the result being a goalless draw.
The introduction of substitute goalkeeper Syed Hossein did not bode well for the Iranian national team, who conceded 3 consecutive goals in the 35th, 44th and 45th + 1 minutes, scored by Judd Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling respectively.
Iranian players also objected to Saka’s second goal, claiming there had been an error on England defender Harry McGuire, but video (mouse) technology recognized the goal as valid.
Before the match started, players of the Iranian national team refrained from singing the national anthem, in a clear sign of support for the protests in their country.
And all elements of the starting lineup of 11 Iranian men remained silent during the performance of the national anthem at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Iran play in the second round, alongside England, the United States and Wales.
