Zahra Ghanbari and her Iran team stood while their national anthem played at the Women’s Asian Cup soccer tournament on Monday, a long way from the war that started on the weekend with a major attack by Israel and the United States. Before the opening loss against South Korea, Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari declined to comment on the military strikes or the death of her country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The mood was mostly sombre during the anthem, although there were some smiles to acknowledge a small pocket of supporters in red, white and green national colors at the Gold Coast stadium. And then it was down to the business of football. South Korea, runners-up at the 2022 Women's Asian Cup, won 3-0 despite the dogged defense of the Iranians anchored by goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei. The South Koreans had 20 shots in the first half but only led 1-0 at the break on Choe Yu-ri's goal in the 37th minute. She swooped on the rebound when Jang Sel-gi's angled left-foot shot deflected off the post.
Published: March 2, 2026 11:39 am
Source: The Independent — Read original