Iran vs. the United States is one of the most high-profile matches in the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage, bringing back feelings of déjà vu as the two sides face off in a politically charged encounter.
Posted Date – Tue, 29 Nov 22 at 05:13pm
Source: IANS.
Doha: Iran’s Amir Abedzadeh and America’s Giovanni Reyna met again 24 years after their fathers Ahmad Reza Abedzadeh and Claudio Reyna played in the same match in France in 1998.
When the draw for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar came to a close nearly eight months ago, Iran’s match against the United States was one of the most high-profile games in the group stage, reminiscent of when the two sides faced off in a match. a sense of déjà vu. The politically charged encounter at the Stade Gerland in Lyon saw Iran win 2-1.
Meli’s forward was goalkeeper Ahmed Reza Abduzadeh, while the USA’s forward was their talisman midfielder Claudio Reyna.
Both players will be closely watching the options of Iran coaches Carlos Queiroz and Greg Behalter, as a unique piece of family history could unfold at the Al Thumama Stadium. The proud fathers could see their children lined up just as they did in France 24 years ago.
Children Giovanni Reyna and Amir Abedzadeh will not remember that historic night in Lyon. The American striker was born in England four years later, when his father played for Sunderland, while the Iranian goalkeeper, who just turned five, was born in Tehran, where his father played for local giants Estegra you.
Reina, 20, one of the youngest players currently in the US squad, came off the bench in the goalless draw with England, coming on in the final seven minutes.
Abezard, who is nine years older than Reina, had been the starting goalkeeper for Melli’s side during qualifying under Dragan Skkic, but after the return of Carlos Queiroz in September, he Arireza Beranwand lost the number one spot.
With Bellanwand injured in the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B opener against England, Queiroz opted to bring on Hossein Husseini after 20 minutes, but the Esteglal keeper was on 70 minutes. With six goals conceded, Queiroz could well be tempted to give Abedzadeh a nod in an emotional clash with Portugal’s Ponferradina player.
Earlier in the game, the Group D encounter between France and Denmark saw the latter’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel representing his country against Marcus Thuram’s side in Peter Schurm’s side. Mechel played Denmark 24 years later against France and, by the way, also at the host country’s Ceyran Stadium, where Iran played against the United States. However, Marcus’ father Lillian Thuram missed that match in 1998, meaning the father-son showdown can only happen once in Qatar 2022.
