GOLD COAST, Australia — The Iranian women’s soccer team played under somber circumstances at the Women’s Asian Cup on Monday, days after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes in Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
During the national anthem, players including captain Zahra Ghanbari stood quietly, with only small pockets of supporters in red, white, and green cheering them on. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari declined to comment on the military strikes or Khamenei’s death ahead of their opening match against South Korea.
South Korea dominated possession and scoring, winning 3-0. Goals came from Choe Yu-ri in the 37th minute, Kim Hye-ri on a penalty in the 59th, and Ko Yoo-jin with a header in the 75th. Ghanbari left the match late after a collision. Iran had just 21% of possession and three shots on goal compared to South Korea’s 32.
Iran will face host nation Australia on Thursday at the Gold Coast, following the home team’s 1-0 opening win against the Philippines. Tournament star Sam Kerr said her team will prepare with respect for the Iranian players, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they face.