Berlin, March 4, (dpa/GNA) – Iran player Sara Didar and coach Marziyeh Jafari, have said the whole delegation is concerned about their families at home, while they are playing in the women’s Asian Cup in Australia.
“Obviously we’re all concerned and we’re sad at what has happened to Iran and our families in Iran,” Didar was quoted by the Australian Associated Press as telling reporters in Gold Coast through an interpreter.
“I really hope for our country to have good news ahead. And I hope that my country will be strongly alive,” she said on the eve of their second group match on Thursday against Australia.
Iran lost their first match 3-0 against South Korea on Monday. Didar and her team-mates had remained silent when the national anthem was played before the match.
The team had arrived in Australia before the United States and Israel started air strikes against Iran on Saturday.
Reporters were asked to pose questions only on football matters on Wednesday, but Didar and Jafari also mentioned the conflict.
“We have so much concern regarding the health of our families and our loved ones and all other Iranian people inside our country, which we are fully disconnected with,” Jafari said.
“But, here, we are coming to play football professionally and we will do our best to concentrate on our football and match ahead.”
Australia coach Joe Montemurro said his his team and supporters want to create an atmosphere of compassion for the Iran team.
“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,” Montemurro said.
GNA