Iran – 2018

I’ve had some really great experiences with Iranian fans over my 12 years doing this project. In fact, an Iranian fan in 2006 was the first and only fan to hand me a flag from their country. I still have it to this day. In 2014, with the Iran fans, I witnessed one of the largest gatherings of fans I’ve witnessed (with the exception of championship matches and the South Koreans in 2006). This year was no different, and while I went to a suggested bar on Yonge, I saw at least two others at capacity in the neighbourhood, all filled with Iranian fans. It’s seriously well organized, impressive and I love it. This is Iran World Cup Toronto.

Iran had no business being in such a close match with one of the best teams on the planet, Spain. While Spain may have dominated possession and shots, it was a cliffhanger until the final moments. More passionate fans are hard to find, every play was dramatized and it’s a great room to witness. Plus, they can’t be more welcoming. I cannot recommend enough watching the June 25th game against Portugal with the Iranian fans as everything will be on the line. They will be gathering in the same bars on Yonge Street in North York.

Date: June 20, 2018
Score of game: Iran 0, Spain 1
Location: St. Louis Bar & Grill at 5307 Yonge St
Estimated number of fans at location: 250

One of the hands down craziest moments when was Iran scored in the middle of the second half to tie the game, only to have it withdrawn due to offsides. Below is some of the pandemonium from what initially looked like a legitimate goal.

This was the moment we found out the goal was reversed:

This was a last minute attempt at tying the game:

This was the final seconds:

Thank you for Iran World Cup in Toronto, it really is the reason I keep doing this project!