well today it is win or go home for the US men's soccer
team when they face Iran at the World Cup, a draw or a
loss in today's matchup will eliminate the americans
from the tournament. It would be an early and
disappointing exit to say the least correspondent
Philip Roth er live now in Qatar with a preview of
today's match. Uh Thanks for being back with us. Listen,
this stage in the torment where it's win or go home is
always exciting. Critical but there is an extraordinary
backdrop to this match. International politics v
much on that field today as well. Walk us through. Yeah,
you're absolutely right. And when you look at the
questions that the U.S. Coach, Gregg Berhalter and the
U.S. Team. Captain Tyler Adams were asked in their
press conferences before this game. Those questions
were not about soccer on the field, they were about the
politics, they were about other things completely
different to the tactics that might be used on the
field. For example, Gregg Berhalter was asked about
military and naval exercises. The captain Tyler Adams
did particularly well when he was scolded first of all
by an Iranian state tv journalist about how he was
pronouncing Iran, he pronounced Iran and then he was
asked about gun violence and and racial tensions in the
United States. The US coach Portuguese man, Carlos
Queiroz's. He spoke also at his press conference about
racial tensions and gun violence in the you know,
United States. So these are not the kinds of things
that you expect to see. The coaches talk about just
before a game. It has now been 24 years since the last
time that these two teams faced each other in a World
cup that was in 1998 in France in Lyon. And it was
politically fraught then as well. But it felt different
because if you look back at those scenes, they are
quite extraordinary. The Iranian players handing
flowers to the U.S. Teams, the US team members handing
penance to the Iranians. A joint team photo was taken
there as well. We do not expect there to be any signs
like those on the field later tonight here in Qatar at
least. We have not heard of any. But we will though
take a very close look at what the Iranian team does
during the national anthem. For example, you might
remember prior to its defeat to England six to defeat,
they did not sing the national anthem. Most likely a
sign of solidarity with protesters in Iran right now
and against a violent crackdown against prote
there in the second game. They did sing the national
anthem but seem to be reluctant to do so. And then
outside of the stadium. Well, we've seen some flags
that have been taken away by the authorities. Anti
regime flags, if you if you will. Previous Iranian
flags from previous regimes, it is particularly
politically fraught this game and Philip you've been in
touch with some US fans. How have they experienced the
World Cup so far Well look, first of all, they've had a
great time. This is the first time in World Cup history
that a tournament like this one is being held in one
city only, meaning it's very easy to get to these games.
Transport is easy. You don't ha to take a plane to go
to see your team. So, all us fans are right here in
Doha or in the surrounding towns, Everything v
close together and they are constantly communicati
with each other. What should they wear to the game Are
we wearing white or blue tonight What kind of songs
should we sing Where is their accommodation How can I
get a ticket And maybe most importantly and most
frequent of all, where is a good bar where I can watch
these games and get my hands on some beer. These are
very important questions here because of course
remember that alcohol is not being sold at the stadiums
themselves and it's not widely available here in Doha.
It's a very good Atmos here among the fans generally
here of all nations. That's what's so great about the
World Cup. They come together from all corners of the
world and there are no tensions in the streets. There
haven't been so far. But there is tension of course
when it comes to the actual game between the U.S. Me
national team and Iran because as you mentioned alread
this is a must win team for a must win game for the
United States, win it. They go through to the second
round draw or lose and they are out and And again
politically this is all about women's rights in Iran.
After a high profile death there by that country's
morality police and the US Soccer Federation took down
a part of the flag and upset them and they backtra
There's a lot going on here. But leave that on the
shelf just for a second, just in 20 seconds or so. Just
as a soccer game, let's just breathe as a soccer game.
How did these two teams stack up against each other
What are the odds makers saying this morning Well look,
I just about saying that the U.S. Team should be the
favorite going into this game. They've had two draws so
far. Iran has shown to completely different faces a bi
6 to 2 defeat to England. But then a last minute last
gasp victory against Wales England, the United States
should be able to win this game and get through to the
second round. That's essentiall how things stand here
and the fans and the team. They do sound optimistic
going into this one, but it is going to be very very
tense indeed. Alright correspondent Philip cross for
reporting live there on the ground in Qatar. Thanks so
much. We will be watching beer in hand later today.
Thank you sir. I hope you will too