A nation divided over Team Melli as Iran faces Belgium (opens in new tab)

Unlike many national teams whose supporters rally unquestioningly behind them however, Team Melli arrived at kickoff carrying the weight of deep divisions at home. Inside the sprawling cultural complex, families, students, pensioners and young couples filled rows of seats facing giant screens broadcasting the match from the United States. Some wore Iranian flags around their shoulders while a number of kids had the colours of the flag painted on their faces. As the players emerged from the tu...