Iran footballer fights back tears as she speaks out on war with US at Women’s Asian Cup

Sara Didar, a striker for the Iranian women’s football team, fought back tears as she shared her teammates' profound concerns for their families and loved ones back home.

Competing in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup, the squad grapples with escalating conflict in Iran, casting a long shadow over their sporting ambitions.

"Obviously we’re all concerned and we’re sad at what has happened to Iran and our families in Iran," Didar said, her comments translated into English, during a press conference on Wednesday, ahead of their Group A clash against Australia.

She added, with a poignant hope, "I really hope for our country to have good news ahead. And I hope that my country will be strongly alive."

The 21-year-old had been part of the squad observing a moment of silence as the Iranian anthem played before their opening defeat to South Korea on Monday.

The team and management had arrived in Australia prior to the recent strikes by the US and Israel, intensifying the broader conflict.

Initially, during their first official news conference of the tournament on Sunday, head coach Marziyeh Jafari and the players refrained from commenting on the war or the death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

However, on Wednesday, despite an Asian Football Confederation moderator requesting reporters stick to football questions, both Didar and Jafari openly voiced their anxieties.

"Obviously we have so much concern regarding the health of our families and our loved ones and all other Iranian people inside our country, with whom we are fully disconnected," Jafari explained, highlighting limited contact due to blackouts in Iran.

She affirmed the team's professional commitment: "But, here, we are coming to play football professionally and we will do our best to concentrate on our football and match ahead."

Amidst these profound personal struggles, the team has found solace in the support of Iranian fans.

At Monday's game, a pocket of supporters waved the national colours of red, green and white, alongside some pre-Islamic revolution flags, chanting their encouragement.

Both Jafari and Didar expressed their gratitude for this backing from Iranian-Australians.

"We feel very good that we see many Iranians supporting us, it really encourages us and we really appreciate it," Didar said. "I know the stadium will be full tomorrow, and hope that we have a great atmosphere."

Australia’s coach, Joe Montemurro, urged his team and supporters to extend compassion to the Iranian squad.

"We want to give them the best tournament possible, giving them the experience of a lifetime," Montemurro stated.

"For us, it’s about just showing our human compassion, our respect and show them how beautiful we are as a country, and how beautiful we are as Australians."

Thursday’s match is anticipated to draw a capacity crowd at Gold Coast Stadium, marking only the second encounter between the two women's national teams, with Australia having won the previous fixture in Perth in 2023.

Australia, the 2010 Asian Cup champions and semi-finalists at the 2023 World Cup they co-hosted, began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Philippines and could secure a quarter-final spot with a win against Iran.

For the Iranian side, their presence in Australia carries the significant ambition of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, a goal that necessitates a top-eight finish in the current Asian Cup.