Great Satan 1-2 Iran: the most politically charged match in World Cup history

Iran’s surprise start in Russia comes 20 years after a breakout win over the USA in a match fraught with political underpinnings

There was a small rubber ball, dusty streets and not much else. This was Jalal Talebi’s childhood growing up in Tehran in the 1950s.

Every day, he would race to the narrow alleyways and play football. His wish was to emulate his older brother, who was captain of the Iranian water-polo team. He wanted to represent his country too and play in front of big crowds. But he also dreamt of reaching a World Cup.