I'm an optimistic pessimist.
I'm positive things will go wrong.
Permalink
Permalink
“No external power can deprive Iran of its participation in a cup to which it has qualified with merit,” the Iranian federation said on Saturday
https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/5/9/iran-says-it-will-play-at-2026-world-cup-if-hosts-address-concerns
https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/5/9/iran-says-it-will-play-at-2026-world-cup-if-hosts-address-concerns
I'm an optimistic pessimist.
I'm positive things will go wrong.
Permalink
Permalink
Latest update on the Iran situation from London's Telegraph newspaper (reprinted on the Stuff website):
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360977029/iran-sends-fifa-10-point-ultimatum-amid-threat-withdraw-world-cup
Iran sends FIFA 10-point ultimatum amid threat to withdraw from World Cuphttps://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360977029/iran-sends-fifa-10-point-ultimatum-amid-threat-withdraw-world-cup
Iran has issued a 10-point ultimatum for FIFA to guarantee its football team’s involvement at next month’s World Cup in the United States.
The Middle East nation signalled in its most direct terms since the war with the US and Israel started that it will compete. However, it is seeking a series of guarantees to ensure no “retreat from our beliefs, culture and convictions”.
In a sign of ongoing tensions surrounding the team’s participation, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) has said the US “must take our concerns into account”.
This could be the sticking point: "Visas without complications for all players and staff, including those who performed military service for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps"
Concern around visas being blocked over links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could be a significant hurdle. The group is listed as a terrorist organisation in Canada and the US, and [Iranian FA president] Taj’s links to it were cited as a reason he was denied entry into Canada for the recent FIFA Congress.
The entire list has not been confirmed but the Iranian journalist Alireza Akbari reports that they include:
This could be the sticking point: "Visas without complications for all players and staff, including those who performed military service for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps"
Concern around visas being blocked over links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could be a significant hurdle. The group is listed as a terrorist organisation in Canada and the US, and [Iranian FA president] Taj’s links to it were cited as a reason he was denied entry into Canada for the recent FIFA Congress.
The entire list has not been confirmed but the Iranian journalist Alireza Akbari reports that they include:
- Visas without complications for all players and staff, including those who performed military service for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- Once visas are issued, players and staff should not be subjected to questioning by US immigration authorities.
- Visas for Iranian journalists and fans attending matches must be resolved in advance.
- US authorities must maintain the highest security protocols at airports, hotels, transit routes and stadiums.
- Fans may only bring their official team flags to stadiums; no other flags will be allowed.
- The playing of Iran’s national anthem during all matches must be “ensured and free from disruption”.
- Questions from journalists during press conferences should be strictly limited to match-related topics.
- It was reported elsewhere that remaining demands include requests for no political criticism directed at the team, no insults towards Iranian military personnel and official recognition of Islamic Republic symbols throughout the tournament.
Big Pete 65, Christchurch
Permalink
Permalink
HT Egypt 1 - 0 Belgium
Very good 1st half of footie. It's boiling out there. Can Egypt keep that energy without the ball? Not sure...
Prediction Egypt 1 - 2 Belgium
To be fair on Egypt, that score could be the other way round.
Very good 1st half of footie. It's boiling out there. Can Egypt keep that energy without the ball? Not sure...
Prediction Egypt 1 - 2 Belgium
To be fair on Egypt, that score could be the other way round.
Permalink
Permalink
I'm actually surprised that Egypt are ahead at this point, I had thought the Belgians would dominate this group.
Seems they are rushing their chances a bit, lacking some composure, which as Spain showed this morning can happen at the big dance.
Seems they are rushing their chances a bit, lacking some composure, which as Spain showed this morning can happen at the big dance.
Queenslander 3x a year.
Permalink
Permalink
1-1 scramble in the goal and Belgium equalise before the ad break
Queenslander 3x a year.
Permalink
Permalink
a draw between these two is the bets outcome for us I think.
Queenslander 3x a year.
Permalink
Permalink
Endorsed by
Realistically I'd prefer Belgium to beat both Egypt and Iran, and have won the group prior to playing us. Unfortunately I think this makes it tougher now
Annual finals disappointment enthusiast.
Permalink
Permalink
observerfromuh wrote:theprof wrote:potentially the worst, means both teams have to up the ante against us and Iran.
a draw between these two is the bets outcome for us I think.
true, but that adds pressure, which if we can defend which will create opportunities.
Queenslander 3x a year.
Permalink
Permalink
After watching the game today and seeing how good Egypt was, even more crucial that we somehow come away with the win today.
Auckland will rise once more
Permalink
Permalink
pretty simple formula for today, we have to go for the win, get ahead of the group from game one, put all the pressure ion the big two in the group.
Queenslander 3x a year.
Permalink
Permalink
theprof wrote:
pretty simple formula for today, we have to go for the win, get ahead of the group from game one, put all the pressure ion the big two in the group.
Umfortunately I think this morning's result will reinforce Baze's approach to play for a draw 'to keep us in it'.
I know, I know, its serious!
Permalink
Permalink
Im hopeful that despite any input from Baze, Wood and the leadership group (including Smith) will push for a steal!
Queenslander 3x a year.
Permalink
Permalink
theprof wrote:
pretty simple formula for today, we have to go for the win, get ahead of the group from game one, put all the pressure ion the big two in the group.
I very much doubt the big two will feel any pressure whether NZ or Iran win this one, but definitely need to go for the win here as you say.
Permalink
Permalink
Turfmoore wrote:theprof wrote:Umfortunately I think this morning's result will reinforce Baze's approach to play for a draw 'to keep us in it'.
pretty simple formula for today, we have to go for the win, get ahead of the group from game one, put all the pressure ion the big two in the group.
I was wrong. So wrong! (even though we ended up with a draw)
I know, I know, its serious!
Permalink
Permalink
Endorsed by