Matildas Coach Calls for Compassion as Iranian Striker Breaks Down

Iranian soccer star Sara Didar was visibly emotional as she voiced her hopes for her homeland’s resilience amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking through an interpreter on Wednesday, ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup group match against Australia on the Gold Coast, Didar expressed her worries for her nation and the families of her teammates.

Following the recent assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by U.S. and Israeli forces, Iran has been plunged into an internet blackout. This has made it increasingly challenging for the players in Australia to stay in touch with their loved ones back home.

“We are obviously concerned and saddened by what has transpired in Iran and with our families there,” Didar shared with reporters in Farsi on the Gold Coast.

“I sincerely hope for positive news for our country and that Iran remains strongly alive,” she added.

The 21-year-old then began to tear up as she heard the interpreter communicate her response in English before the striker made a rapid dash for the exit door.

Australia coach Joe Montemurro said he wanted his team to greet the Iranians “with human compassion” for a game where there is expected to be heightened police presence.

“We can’t talk about what’s happened, where they’re from… all we can talk about is about us here in this beautiful tournament,” Montemurro said.

“We want to give them the best tournament possible in terms of giving them the experience of a lifetime.

“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.”

Iran’s players and head coach Marziyeh Jafari have declined to comment on the nation’s political upheaval, although they did stage a protest of sorts by remaining silent through the national anthem prior to Monday’s 3-0 loss to South Korea.

Some Iranian fans waved the flag of Imperial Iran during Monday’s defeat at the hands of South Korea – the country’s official flag prior to the toppling of the US-backed Shah in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“We are so happy that Iranian-Australians here support us,” Jafari said.

“Obviously we have so much concern for our families and our loved ones and all other people inside our country, which we are fully disconnected with.

“Here, we are coming to play football professionally and we will do our best to concentrate on the match ahead.”

Iran’s players were scheduled to train late on Wednesday as they face Australia for the time since the Matildas secured a 2-0 Olympic qualifying win over the Lionesses in 2023.

The two sides have shared a hotel on the Gold Coast this week and a win would give would secure Australia’s passage to the Asian Cup knockout stages.

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