The Iranian national football team were greeted with a warm, emotional welcome at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport on Wednesday following their participation in the FIFA World Cup, although they were unable to qualify for the knockout stage.
The airport saw hundreds of supporters, including men, women, and children, many of them in team jerseys and flag of Iran.
Musicians in military uniforms received the players, playing the national anthem.
Iran were third with a point from each of their three group games.
They did not qualify for the last 32, however, as they missed one of eight best third places on goal difference.
Goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand thanked the fans for the support he received after he was outstanding in the goalless draw against Belgium.
Read More: Iran earn valuable point against Belgium in 0-0 draw
Beiranvand noted that they regret not being able to qualify and bring more happiness to the fans.
There were also US immigration restrictions making it harder for the team to play in World Cup, said defender Ramin Rezaeian.
Those assumptions were also echoed by supporters who felt that the team could have done more with different circumstances.
Fan Mona Banisafa said the players did everything they could, and that’s why we are here to thank them.
Iran was extremely close to qualifying for the knockout round.
They had briefly thought they had booked an automatic qualification following a late goal against Egypt but VAR ruled the goal offside.
Political tensions also impacted the team’s campaign. After several Iranian officials were barred from acquiring US visas, Iran shifted its World Cup base from Arizona to Mexico.
The fans seemed to have been disappointed, but they have welcomed the team back as national heroes for their effort and determination in the tournament.
