LOS ANGELES — Iran opened its World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand on Monday at Los Angeles Stadium, drawing a near-capacity crowd after pre-tournament concerns about ticket demand.Inside the stadium, fans brought competing symbols of identity, with some waving the flag of the Islamic Republic of Iran and others displaying the pre-revolution Lion and Sun flag, a historical emblem used by some opponents of the government.That difference in symbolism also appeared among some fans in how they described their support for the national soccer team and its separation from political views about Iran’s leadership.That divide extends beyond the stadium into communities across Southern California, home to one of the largest Iranian populations outside Iran.JUDGE UPHOLDS FIFA'S BAN ON IRAN'S OLD FLAG AT WORLD CUP GAMES AFTER EMERGENCY HEARINGIran played against New Zealand on Monday at Los Angeles Stadium, drawing a near-capacity crowd of 70,108, according to FIFA.(Amalia Roy)The Sunday before Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand, members of Arya FC gathered in the San Fernando Valley for a playoff match in a recreational over-48 league.Arya FC plays at El Camino Real Charter High School nearly every Sunday.
(Amalia Roy)Co-founder Nader Adeli, who also manages and coaches the team, said Arya FC was formed about a decade ago and fields two squads.He said most players are Iranian-born immigrants, and the team communicates largely in Persian on the field.Arya FC won its Sunday match on penalties after tying 3-3.
(Amalia Roy)Adeli said players focus on soccer during matches."Football brings nations together," he said."When we gather, we pray for peace and unity."IRAN WORLD CUP TEAM FORCED TO LEAVE US AFTER TOURNAMENT OPENER IN APPARENT CHANGE OF PLANSSpeaking ahead of Iran’s World Cup opener against New Zealand, Vartan Golbodaghians, a longtime Arya FC player, said he supports the national team regardless of political differences."I support my co...