Australia midfielder Amy Sayer has hailed the courage of Iran’s women’s soccer team for competing in the Asian Cup while their homeland faces war.
Iran are to face Australia in their second group-stage match on Thursday on the Gold Coast, following a 3-0 defeat to South Korea on Monday.
Despite the one-sided score, the Iranians delivered a spirited performance under difficult circumstances, playing after the US and Israel attacked Iran.
Photo: EPA
“Our heart goes out to them and their families, it’s a difficult situation and it’s really brave of them to be able to be here and to perform,” Sayer said on Tuesday.
“They played last night and they put on a really strong performance, even with the political climate that’s going on and the struggles that they might be going through,” she said.
“We’re excited and looking forward to the game on Thursday ... The best we can do to contribute is to just give them the best game of football that we’re able and to show them the respect on the field,” Sayer said.
“Hopefully the situation improves and they can keep staying safe in Australia,” she said.
Iran’s players stood respectfully during their national anthem before the South Korea match, but remained silent throughout its duration.
Iranian players and head coach Marziyeh Jafari declined to comment on the situation or the death of their long-serving leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday.
“They are another team in the tournament and you don’t want to give them any space in order to give away any competitive advantage, regardless of the situation,” Sayer said.
“Of course, we are all kind humans, and we can give them a ‘hello’ and a ‘good luck’ to wish them well.”
The 24-year-old Sayer is expected to have a larger role in Thursday’s match, following a substitute appearance in Australia’s 1-0 win over the Philippines on Sunday.
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