Iran World Cup coach says ‘impacted’ by politics but ignoring ‘hype’

LOS ANGELES: 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 attention to any of the hype.” Iran have arrived at the tournament under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row, after the United States — in military conflict with Iran for months — refused to issue visas for some team support staff. They play their opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday, marking the first time that a World Cup host has hosted a country with which it is at war.

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