INGLEWOOD, California, June 14 : New Zealand coach Darren Bazeley brushed aside the political backdrop to his side's World Cup opener against Iran on Monday, saying his players were focused solely on football despite heightened attention surrounding the match.The Group G clash in Los Angeles comes after month

By Rory CarrollLOS ANGELES, June 13 (Reuters) - Iran open their World Cup Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday in a match shaped as much by events off the…

Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Sunday political tensions and visa issues have damaged his side's preparations for the World Cup but insisted his players will not "pay…

Protests and tension threatened to turn match into political flashpoint

The All Whites skipper says keeping calm will be key when they face Iran.

Everything you need to know ahead of Iran’s controversial World Cup opener