Political tension has undermined World Cup joy, says Iran striker

Los Angeles is often nicknamed "Tehrangeles" - a fact that drew smiles from both player and manager when it was mentioned at the news conference. Many Iranian-Americans will be heading to SoFi Stadium on Monday where Iran will open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand. Many will not be there to cheer, but to protest. Fifa has banned the pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag - a powerful symbol for many Iranians living abroad. The decision has angered parts of the diaspora. …