Magical Night for Iran as They Qualify for FIFA World Cup 2014 | ||
Magical Night for Iran as They Qualify for FIFA World Cup 2014 Tehran’s streets were filled with young revelers after the Iranian national soccer team qualified for the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil with a win over South Korea. “I feel like God is answering all of our prayers at once,” 24-year-old Nasim said. We’re beside ourselves with happiness.” Thousands had spilled onto the streets on the night of victory to celebrate the unexpected presidential election victory of Hassan Rohani, a moderate cleric Many hoped he would bring a relaxation of international sanctions and an upturn in economy. Rohani, a 64-year-old cleric on good terms with Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but known for a conciliatory style, quickly joined the celebrations. “Congratulations to my dear people on the occasion of our qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil,” his media team tweeted. “So proud of our national team!” The leader also congratulated the nation and the team: “The football team’s victory has made people happy, especially sports fans, happy. I thank those who made this happiness possible.” Impromptu street parties broke out in Tehran and across the country as the soccer news spread, with people dancing, waving flags and honking car horns, the state news agency reported. State television showed pictures of people in the streets clapping and shouting “Iran! Iran!”, and video clips of the celebrations appeared online. Across the Persian Gulf in Dubai, groups of Iranians gathered to watch the match in bars and estaurants, and roared when Iran took the lead againstthe run of play. “Two victories in one week can give people what they need right now, which is hope,” said Hossein, 21, a student. “The people of Iran have a very sweet week. This win will help to unify people, because the national team belongs to the whole country.” Social networking sites also erupted with joy at the news. “I think we’ve all died and we’re now in heaven. God bless our souls,” read one Facebook posting. “Now it’s Samba time, Iranian style,” read another. | ||
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