Solemn silence during the national anthem and howls of joy after the goals: in Tehran, Iranians followed their team's first steps on American soil in the World Cup with curiosity through the night.

TIJUANA, Mexico, June 14 : Iran's national soccer squad left their Tijuana base camp to a rousing sendoff on Sunday, with supporters lining five-deep on a packed sidewalk outside…

Supporters in Mexico waved Iranian flags and chanted “Team Melli” as Iran’s players departed for their World Cup opener in Los Angeles.