by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
The United States' men's national team could soon be making a flight to Iran.
According to Iran Football Federation chief Ali Kafashian, the USSF has made a request for a friendly in the middle eastern country in October or November. Kafashian said Iran is considering the offer while the United States has neither confirmed nor denied the alleged request.
"Any discussions we have with other federations are kept internal until we have a signed agreement," USSF spokesman Neil Buethe told the Associated Press.
As of now, the United States' last game of the year is scheduled to be a World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica on October 14 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.
(SBI- Sunil Gulati was recently in Asia attending the Asian Confederation elections. Coincidence? I think not.)
What do you think of the U.S. requesting a friendly in Iran? Think it would be a good tune-up before the World Cup? Think a friendly like this could have a positive impact on USA-Iran relations? Are you more concerned with exacting revenge for the 1998 World Cup?
Share your thoughts below.
hey u Americans friends plz forget all the politic problems between government and we people make the relationships between countries.
its a match which will be happened on autumn and be sure that Iranians will entertain US national team in Tehran (it is our quality)
Sean:
If you can’t see the difference between Hitler and George Bush that pretty much tells people all they need to know about you. I guess in your book Harry Truman is the biggest murderer in American history, not to mention all of the other “murderers” who were president. Also, for someone who tells people to think for themselves, you are astonishingly hypocritical. You could easily pass for a Democratic Party strategist. Every time you comment you use one or more idiotic left wing talking points.
We better wrap this up or Ives will be kicking us!
Aristotle its not hateful,its just the truth,both were murderers. I find it funny how you have the “if you don’t love america get the f*** out” attitude. Just because someone voices an opinion and dares to question the government doesn’t make them as unpatriotic as the next person.You can’t fully think until you question the answers you are given,do research then finally make your conlusion, you should know that……Aristotle
hi all i`m an Iranian here. can i ask u guys y u scared of going to Tehran? y u scared of people there? y u think Iran is like Iraq or Palestine? be sure youths in Azadi stadium will patronize USA national team. of course our governments dispute together but people don`t. i think u think wrong about Iranians and i certainly bought the ticket if i was in Iran. i hope it`s a nice game for both Iranians and Americans friends
Sean Monaghan:
Unlike you, I think for myself. As is so often the case with the left , you are projecting. Nearly all of the propaganda watching is done by the left. You are the one who needs to break free. As for the “hate and bias”, your bias was obvious to everyone. You jumped all over people who were not even looking for an argument or voicing an opinion that was offensive or provocative in any way. The manipulation you speak of, again you are projecting, is with you. Your reference to Bush and the United States being akin to Nazi Germany is certainly hateful. Unlike all of the false hate you and your brethren like to claim you see everywhere. As someone here said, why don’t you address your drivel to someone who will gladly listen, Nancy Pelosi.
In a similar vein, a US friendly with Iraq in Detroit would be huge, in attendance and in publicity. Detroit area has a lot of ex-Iraqis (mostly Iraqi Christians who came to the US in the 70s) plus more recent arrivals who still follow the Iraqi national team. Probably wouldn’t fill Ford Field but I could see 40K for sure.
lol Aristotle your joking….correct?
“support your bias and hate.” You try very hard to manipulate with your words, its hilarious. Just because I look at both sides of a story doesn;t make me Hate America. Perhaps you should wake up and actually look into things before daring to even comment on them, you have been watching right wing propaganda a little too much my friend.
Personally I think this a great idea. The atmosphere will provide the US great experience and it will hopefully demonstrate cooperation between the US and Iran. As to the security issue, Iran’s internal security is pretty good compared to the surrounding region. And from what I’ve read and heard reported, the people really have less hostility towards us than many other people in the region.
scheduling or even thinking of scheduling this kind of friendly is a welcome break from the bruce arena days. i’d rather lose a few points in fifa rankings by playing tough road games than stay home and play weak home games.
delarge – there are loads of armenaians in northern Iran, hence the reference to alecko
MiamiAl – LOL @ Pelosi comment-spot on.
I wouldnt be comfortable playing in Iran, Dont trust the Iranian Government, all the stories a friend from Iran told me.
I’m not sure I see the point in playing Iran at this time. The game will inevitably become all about politics just like when Iran played the U.S. in the World Cup. Does the U.S.S.F. really need that kind of publicity? Maybe the U.S. could go play North Korea after this game. Seriously, what’s the point? I don’t buy the “maybe we can all hold hands and share a coke to solve our differences” angle.
This would have been a good idea before a conflict between Iran and the rest of the world developed. I think Iran will just use this as a propaganda tool to say “See, we didn’t kill your soccer team and we all got along! Now can’t you see that we just need nuclear weapons for peaceful use?” And people like Sean and Paul will agree with that 100%.
Hey, Sean and Paul:
Congratulations on being pompous and self righteous.
Stop lecturing people like you know anything other than contempt for the U.S. We get it. America sucks, and all other people are beautiful. Why don’t you go live in the middle east?
If you knew anything at all about history you would have a considerably different opinion. Citing selective history to support your bias and hate can be done by anyone. Your comments (Sean) show that you don’t even know the very recent history of the U.S.
Before reading this thread I thought it might get a little partisan and touchy, but figured, “no”, people will rise above that for the sake of the beautiful game.
I should have known better from the likes of Sean Monaghan and MiamiAI.
“Well, I guess since Nazi Germany no longer exists they went for the closest thing”
And what would that be, The United States under George W. Bush? After all we did invade Iraq….stop going by the crap the media tell you and actually look at history instead of just nodding your head,
Der Kaiser….you are correct
DeLarge
He’s father was born in Iran and played for Iran in the WC. The actual country is multi-cultural.
I like this, but I hope we play an African team. We tend to get lost in their free form play.
BAD idea
Is it really worth it to put the safety of our players in jeopardy for the likes of Iran? No way we should play them, and especially not in Iran.
I know we’re not at war with them. But the thing is why risk it?
And this has worked how many times between South Korea and the communist regime of north Korea? I’ll give you three guesses and the first two do NOT count. In fact, the last time the two played each other, nK blamed the R.O.K for food poisoning.
Coach – Couldn’t agree with you more.
I commend Bob for wanting to have friendlies in hostile environments outside the USA. Our team needs to be toughened.
Well, I guess since Nazi Germany no longer exists they went for the closest thing. Too bad the Taliban doesn’t have a team. Further proof that US Soccer is run by idiots. Replies from supporters of 8th century cave dwelling Islamic Fascists in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…..
My wife’s uncle who is a Westerner lives in Saudi Arabia and does alot of business in Iran. It’s not as crazy an idea as Fox News would lead you to believe. I think we here are overblowing the experience signifigance though. I think we would be better served with a friendly in Tunisia or Morocco.
Iran is not an unsafe place. European tourists go there all the time. I would love to visit the historical sites there, and I certainly wouldn’t be afraid to do so, even though I would stick out.
There will be no security issues, and the coordination for travel and security will be a wonderful opportunity for bilateral engagement.
Soccer has the potential to unite people more than any other activity there is. There used to be (and maybe still is) a UNICEF program that brought kids from two sides of a conflict together in a camp coached by star players – the kids developed friendships across historical divides.
For the USSF to capitalize on its diplomatic potential will be nothing but good for US soccer, the US in general and the world.
This is outstanding. A good opponent for us to play, but more importantly to me, a meaningful opportunity for US soccer diplomacy. I can’t think of anything better. This is comparable to Nixon’s Ping Pong diplomacy, and I guarantee you the hand of Obama is involved.
The team i want sent has Ching, Drew Moor, Eddie Johnson, Bornstein, and Chad Barrett. all very expendable players.
Posted by: martha c | May 26, 2009 at 01:05 AM
HA!!
They will all get arrested for spying
Hey Paul, sounds like you agree with our (and by our- I mean American) people being taken as hostages in 79…You are blaming the CIA now? Tell it it Nancy Pelosi…
The team i want sent has Ching, Drew Moor, Eddie Johnson, Bornstein, and Chad Barrett. all very expendable players.
@MiamiAl
Yes, Sam’s Army and any Americans can attend. We’re not barred by our government from going to Iran like we are Cuba. But getting in can be difficult. You’ll need to get a visa via the Pakistani Embassy. I’ve heard once that’s completed Americans may still have difficulties getting past security. I’ve also heard it’s not uncommon to be followed around if access is granted. But I can’t speak from experience.
Thank you Paul,beat me to it.
Krista there is security….you do realize we are “friends” with most of these countries. Playing in places like Mexico,El salvador, and Costa rica are more hostile than the Middle East,your just thinking about it from a governmental perspective
J – to me our team would be at an increased risk to an attack in any Middle Eastern country. Whether you or anyone else disagrees with me, fine, but don’t insult me with that kind of statement.
This game could be GREAT for many reasons. But, I would greatly fear for their safety while over there. I would hate to send our boys into any kind of danger. However, the game could really rase some spirits!
I think it’d be awesome! More experience is good. Period.
MiamiAl
the other side to talking hostages is the overthrow of the democratic and secular government of Iran by the CIA, planned in the very embassy they siezed. Learn something before spouting off.
Naysayers were also saying ‘Nay’ when Nixon sent the table tennis team to communist China on a goodwill trip. All it did was open their markets and help grow both countries’ economies as well as earn some slight modicum of improvement in human rights in China (Not a lot, but it WAS a little.)
We need the same sort of courage now, if this is for real.
As I said before, the sport ITSELF has FAR too much international respect for ANY regime (aside from MAYBE N. Korea) to allow some sort of violent incident involving major world/regional powers.
Let them play! Joga Bonito!
Count me in the group of people who think this would be a great game and tremendous experience for our guys. Maybe it could be a bit of 21st century ping pong diplomacy granted in a different vein.
This has been posted, but I would like to reiterate. It isn’t the people as a whole of Iran who have a problem with the US. It is the government. Just like I don’t have a problem Iran.
Down side wouldn’t be tragedy. Security would not be more of an issue than any number of other countries – including European ones.
I agree with Dave Clark. If Israel can play other Middle Eastern teams so can we. I’m pretty sure if this match is played security will be top notch. We should be worried less about security and more worried about losing. Iran has a pretty decent team and a loss to them wouldn’t look good politically or for the MNT.
I think there could be better choices than this. Don’t see much upside except politically. Down side could be tragedy.
Krista you do not know a thing about Iran