‘Very tough game’ against Australia awaits Iran at the Women’s Asian Cup

Ahead of the second match day for Group A, Iran’s Head Coach Marziyeh Jafari and forward Sara Didar faced the media to discuss their match up against hosts in Australia, and what the tournament means for them on a global scale considering what is happening at home.

“We are here to play football, and professionally,” Jafari said.

“We have a very tough game tomorrow, Australia is one of the strongest teams in FIFA and the AFC,” she said.

Iran lost their opening game against South Korea 3-0, where they played a strong defensive game, facing 30 shots from their opponents.

What they also faced was a very vocal support from fans, who had all congregated in the same space to cheer and chant for the entire 90 minutes.

“We are so happy that Australian Iranians support us… we’ll do our best to make them proud,” Jafari said.

“The support has encouraged us,” Didar said. “I hope that we will have a good atmosphere tomorrow.”

Didar will get what she’s hoping for, as the game is being reported to be a sell-out, which would be the first ever for a Women’s Asian Cup game.

Despite the daunting challenge ahead in the Matildas, Iran are still excited about what’s to come in facing the tournament’s hosts.

“We are eager to play against Sam Kerr,” said Didar. “We love her and the other players.”

Of course, while participating in this tournament, the players and coaching staff’s minds will likely also be on their home country, after a girls’ primary school was bombed in South Iran by the US and Israel, killing around 150 and injuring almost 100.

“We have so much concern for the health of our families and other Iranian people… We’re doing our best to focus on football and the game ahead,” Jafari said.

“We are sad about what has happened in Iran and for our families and our loved ones,” Didar said.

“I hope to hear good news ahead.”