After the 2-2 draw against New Zealand and boos during the Iranian anthem at the LA stadium, Gianni Infantino sought to strengthen the players: 'You are stronger than everything'; Iranian player complains: 'We are not being treated fairly'ynet| Related TopicsIran’s national team was involved overnight between Monday and Tuesday in a fast-paced and entertaining match at the World Cup, coming back twice from behind in a 2-2 draw with New Zealand. But the story of the Islamic Republic’s representatives arriving in the United States at this particular moment is, above all, a political one. Just days before an agreement between the United States and Iran is expected to be signed, the Iranian players were greeted at the Los Angeles stadium with boos, which were also heard during the playing of the Islamic Republic's national anthem — along with the waving of a Shah-era flag.2 View gallery FIFA President Gianni Infantino(Photo: Frederic J. Brown/ AFP)FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who sought to encourage the Iranian players, entered their locker room immediately after the match. “I know what you are going through, I understand. But you are stronger than everything, and you are sending a strong message to the entire world. Thank you very much,” Infantino told the players, according to reports from the United States. Last week Infantino addressed the difficulties the Iranian team faced in traveling to the United States, saying: “If I had to drive a bus myself from Tehran to bring them, I would do it.”However, Iran’s national team did not hold back criticism of the U.S. authorities and FIFA regarding the conditions at the tournament. One who spoke about it was midfielder Mohammad Mohebi, who scored Iran’s second goal in their opening match of the tournament.2 View gallery Members of Iran's national team(Photo: Umit Bektas/Reuters) Mohebi, who plays for Russian club Rostov, said the team is not being treated fairly. “We arrived in the United States from Mexico only on the morning of the match because we are not allowed to stay in the United States for an extended period. Now we have to leave again, just to come back here after two days. We are not being treated fairly. But there is nothing we can do.”After scoring, Mohebi sparked controversy when he celebrated with a gesture mimicking a gun being fired toward the Iranian fans in the stands, some seen holding flags associated with the opposition and the Shah regime.Comments